Mirko Bjelica Hired as Western Illinois Women's Tennis Coach

Bjelica brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to Fighting Leatherneck women’s tennis.

MACOMB, Ill. – Director of Athletics Matt Tanney announced that Western Illinois Athletics has named Mirko Bjelica the head coach of the women's tennis program.

Bjelica joins the staff after spending the last two seasons as the assistant coach of the men's tennis program at Tennessee Tech. A native of Tivat, Montenegro, Bjelica will bring more than 20 years of coaching experience to the Fighting Leatherneck women's tennis program.

"Mirko brings a unique combination of international and intercollegiate coaching and playing experience that will serve our student-athletes well," said Tanney. "I look forward to continued growth and success of the women's tennis program under his leadership."

At Tennessee Tech, he coached the men's team to a 2015 Ohio Valley Conference regular season co-championship title and coached the 2015 OVC 'Player of the Year' and 'Freshman of the Year'.

Before his time at Tennesee Tech, Bjelica spent five years as the head coach of the Montenegro national team where he prepared several junior and adult players for national and international tournaments and led the team to an 18-12 record.

Bjelica has also served a private head coach for several professional clubs where organized tennis leagues, clinics, tournaments, and other social events.

A 1993 graduate of Georgia State, Bjelica earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance and Bachelor of Science in education. He was also a member of the tennis team and severed as team captain his senior season. Prior to Georgia State, Bjelica played one season at Campbell University where he earned Big South All-Conference honors in 1989.

Bjelica and his wife Margaret have five children, Mary, Ana, Lidia, Sara, and Luke.

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