Jera Sturgell Named Head Coach of Mullen Boys Tennis for the 2026-2027 Season

 

For Sturgell, leading high school tennis is about much more than results on the court. Her approach centers on developing the whole student-athlete by creating an environment in which young people are known, supported and challenged to grow.

“I love the students, I love tennis and I have loved being at Mullen all these years,” Sturgell said. “My hope is that when our student-athletes leave Mullen, they are better prepared for what comes next, have learned important life skills through sports and look back on tennis as one of the best parts of their high school experience.”

That emphasis reflects Mullen’s Lasallian mission and its belief that athletics can be an important part of educating the whole person. Through discipline, teamwork, perseverance and shared goals, Mustang student-athletes develop skills that extend well beyond competition.

Sturgell takes over a boys’ tennis program with experienced upperclassmen, emerging younger players and ambitious goals for the season ahead. She believes the team is positioned to build upon its recent growth and compete among Colorado’s strongest high school tennis programs. “We have a strong team, and I have high expectations for what the boys can accomplish,” Sturgell said. “They set meaningful goals, work hard and pursue those goals together.”

Sturgell has already helped establish an impressive standard within Mullen girls’ tennis. During her tenure, the Mustangs have consistently competed among Colorado’s leading programs, including a state championship, a state runner-up finish and multiple top-four appearances. She hopes to continue that tradition while helping both the boys’ and girls’ teams grow as athletes, teammates and members of the Mullen community.

Joining Sturgell on the boys’ tennis coaching staff is Chris Anderson, a tennis professional and junior coordinator at Pinehurst Country Club. Anderson will support all areas of the program while working closely with Mullen’s varsity student-athletes.

Alexandra Sturgell will also continue her longstanding work with the boys’ program while supporting girls’ tennis. Jay Reed and Tim Fitz join the Mustang tennis family as assistant coaches, creating a strong and experienced staff committed to serving Mullen student-athletes at every level.

With continuity in leadership, a talented coaching staff and student-athletes ready to compete, Mullen Boys Tennis enters its next chapter with confidence. Sturgell and her staff are committed to delivering an outstanding high school athletics experience grounded in excellence, belonging and genuine care for every Mustang.

Mullen High School looks forward to another exciting season of boys’ tennis and to watching its student-athletes represent the school and its Lasallian Catholic mission on courts throughout the Denver area and across Colorado. The Mullen community is invited to cheer on the Mustangs in a league matchup against Grandview on Thursday, September 3, at Pinehurst Country Club. Let’s show our student-athletes that the entire Mustang community is behind them!