Eric Burns, head coach of Northern Illinois University women鈥檚 tennis, has secured a contract extension through 2030, following a remarkable run of success. Under his leadership since the 2019-20 season, the team has reached back-to-back postseason tournaments for the first time, highlighted by a school-record 22 wins in 2025. NIU has also excelled academically, earning annual All-Academic Team recognition since 2020. Coach Burns expressed gratitude for the support received from the administration and is optimistic about future achievements as the program transitions to the Horizon League in 2026-27.

By the Numbers
  • Burns has a .591 winning percentage, the highest in program history.
  • He ranks second on the all-time wins list with 110 victories, totaling 414 career wins.
State of Play
  • The women's tennis program has seen unprecedented success in recent seasons with back-to-back postseason appearances.
  • Five Huskies have reached the 100-Win Club during Burns' tenure, including top-recoder Nataly Ninova.
What's Next

As NIU transitions to the Horizon League, the program aims to leverage its recent successes to compete at a higher level. With experienced players and a strong coaching staff, Burns anticipates continued growth and competitive performance in upcoming seasons.

Bottom Line

Coach Eric Burns' contract extension reflects the significant strides made by the NIU women's tennis program in both athletic performance and academics. His leadership has cultivated a winning culture, setting the foundation for future successes as the team embarks on a new chapter in the Horizon League.