Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University has announced the hiring of Chris Burks as its newest women’s basketball head coach. Coach Burks comes to Midland from Eastern New Mexico University where he served as the lead assistant coach.
“We are thrilled with the addition of Coach Burks to our staff,” said Courtney Thomsen, Midland University Director of Athletics. “He has experience over various levels and brings great energy both on and off the court for our women’s basketball program.”
Before coaching at Eastern New Mexico, Coach Burks spent time at a handful of NAIA schools, including a stop at the University of Jamestown where he earned his master’s degree in leadership. He also coached a Our Lady of the Lake University, Southwestern College, and Schreiner University (NCAA DIII).
“The university’s welcoming nature and all of the amazing people, were the first thing I noticed. The athletic staff here at Midland, led by Courtney Thomsen, is second to none and full of wonderful and supportive people,” commented head coach Chris Burks on what attracted him to the Warriors’ program. “It is such a blessing to be a part of a university full of students, faculty, and staff who love to be at Midland.
Before beginning his coaching career, Burks was a standout on the basketball court himself. Coming out of high school, he signed to compete at Alabama A&M University. He
“I am excited about the position that the women’s basketball program is in,” added Coach Burks. “I am looking forward to creating new standards with the team, to build a competitive program that everyone in the community and Midland University can be proud of. We strive to be among the best in the GPAC so that we know we can compete on a national stage. I am also excited and honored to be a part of the Midland family, and to lead the women’s basketball program.”
The Warriors have a rich tradition in NAIA Basketball with six trips to the national tournament including a trip to the semifinals (1985). Coach Burks will look to return Midland to prominence at both the conference and national levels.
