MSU PRESS RELEASE
One of the most decorated players in Montana State women’s basketball history is coming home.
Kati Burrows, a former Montana State and Bozeman High standout, has been named the newest assistant coach on 11th-year head coach Tricia Binford’s staff the coach announced on Friday afternoon.
Burrows, who was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference performer from 2002-05 and led the Bobcats to back-to-back regular-season titles in 2002 and 2003, recently completed her inaugural season as head coach at Maricopa High School – just south of Phoenix – guiding the squad to the program’s first state title.
Under Burrows’ direction, Maricopa posted a 29-5 overall record last winter, and as the No. 12 seed, finished a Cinderella run through the state tournament with a win over perennial power Chandler Seton Catholic in the championship game. For her efforts, she was named The Arizona Republic Big Schools Coach of the Year as well as the All-USA Arizona American Family Insurance Big Schools Coach of the Year and the Division II Coach of the Year by the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association.
“Kati has been successful everywhere she has been,” Binford said. “I think that describes the kind of person she is and the work-ethic she’ll bring to our program. As a post player herself, she succeeded on a high level as a Bobcat and professionally. Kati’s mentality will represent a terrific example to our kids of what it takes to be successful. I’m excited to have a former player, a Bozeman native and a well-respected name in Montana girls’ basketball in the program.”
Prior to her stint at Maricopa High School, Burrows served as assistant coach at Dobson High School in Tempe and at national power St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. During her two years with the Knights, the program captured two Arizona Division I State Championships and was also crowned the 2012 National Champions, as well.
“I’m excited to get back to Bozeman and start working towards a Big Sky championship,” Burrows said. “I grew up in Bozeman watching the Bobcats. I received an outstanding education from MSU, which has presented me with many opportunities over the past 10 years, including taking me to the point of accepting this position.”
Before entering the coaching profession, Burrows played professionally in Germany and Holland. At ASC Mainz in Germany, she was the club’s top scorer and rebounder.
At Montana State, Burrows finished her career third on the all-time scoring list and seventh in rebounding. A two-time All-Big Sky Conference Tournament selection, she was the 2005 Bobcat MVP and was tabbed the 2003 most improved player. As a member of the 2002 and 2003 championship squads, Burrows and teammates were inducted into the Wendy’s/Montana State Hall of Fame in 2013.
As a prepster at Bozeman High School, Burrows led the Hawks to the 1996, 1998 and 1999 Class AA state titles, earning all-state and all-tournament accolades for her efforts.
Burrows is expected to begin her duties on June 15.
Binford also announced that Ausha Cole, who recently completed her senior season with the Bobcats, will serve as Director of Basketball Operations for the 2015-16 season. Cole graduated in December and is pursuing a master’s degree in human and health development with an emphasis on sports psychology.
“I’m excited to have two former players in our program,” Binford said. “Both Kati and Ausha are outstanding examples of what it means to be a Bobcat.”
