Megan Gaard Gunderson enters her tenth season as head coach of St. Kate's tennis team in 2024-25.
In her first two seasons at the helm, Gaard led the Wildcats to back-to-back MIAC Playoff appearances, extending St. Kate's streak to seven consecutive appearances.
In addition to significant team success, Gaard has also helped six student-athletes earn All-MIAC honors. In 2017, the Wildcats had four student-athletes earn All-MIAC honors in singles and/or doubles play.
Prior to joining St. Kate's staff, Gaard spent two years at the MIAC offices as the conference's Assistant Director. During her time at the MIAC, Gaard gained excellent athletics administration experience through a two-year position funded by the NCAA Division III Women and Ethnic Minority Internship Grant program. Gaard planned the second MIAC Student-Athlete Leadership Conference held in August 2014, while also assisting with sports information, compliance, strategic planning and event management.
In addition to her experience at the MIAC office, Gaard was a two-sport standout MIAC student-athlete at Gustavus Adolphus College where she competed in tennis and basketball. She helped the Gusties capture three MIAC women's tennis regular-season and playoff championships. Gaard also earned All-American, All-MIAC and Academic All-Conference honors as a Gustavus tennis player.
Following her impressive playing career, Gaard spent one season as an assistant coach at the University of Chicago where she was responsible for recruiting for the women's and men's tennis programs. She also worked with event management, promotions, community service and alumni relations.
In addition to her collegiate playing and coaching experience, Gaard has also worked as a junior tennis instructor and currently serves as a tennis professional at Interlochen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota.
Gaard received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Gustavus in 2012 and her Masters of Arts for Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine.
