Manuel (Manny) Raga and Bronte Murgett Join Women’s Tennis Coaching Staff
5/28/2026 12:25:00 PM | Tennis
New Mizzou head coach Robin Goodman hires his first two coaches to the women’s tennis staff.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou tennis' head coach Robin Goodman appointed his first two coaches as he hired Manuel (Manny) Raga (Associate Head Coach) and Bronte Murgett (Assistant Coach) to his coaching staff, Goodman announced on Thursday, May 28.
"I could not be more excited to welcome Manny and Bronte to Mizzou," Goodman said. "From my initial conversation with each of them, what stood out was the energy, the positivity, and the genuine excitement they have about what we're building here. This program deserves people who walk in the door every day, fired up to help our student athletes succeed on and off the court, and that's what we're getting."
Raga joins the Tigers as he transitions from one SEC team to another, having served as the assistant tennis coach for the men's tennis program at Oklahoma since July 2023. Since he began his tenure with the Sooners, they have earned three straight NCAA appearances, including an NCAA Super Regional appearance this past season. During the 2026 season, Oklahoma earned the No. 4 seed in the tournament and finished as the No. 9-ranked team in the country.
The Maracay, Venezuela native, before heading to Norman, served as the head coach at his Alma Mater, Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kan, from 2019-23. In his final year as the head coach, he led the men's squad to the program's first NJCAA title since 1991 and the women's team to its first national runner-up finish. Additionally, Raga coached the men's squad to seven individual national titles and the women's team to two singles titles. He was also tabbed as the 2023 Wilson ITA Men's Coach of the Year, NJCAA Coach of the Tournament and compiled an overall 59-16 record with the men's program.
Raga started his playing career at Cowley during the 2012-13 season and became an All-American, as he finished as the national runner-up at No. 4 singles. He also helped his team win conference and region titles and placed sixth at the NJCAA Championship. Following his successful freshman campaign, he played for Bethany College from 2013-16, where he became a two-time All-American, three-time KCAC Player of the Year and the 2016 NAIA Most Improved Senior. In his senior year, he recorded a perfect 14-0 record at the No. 1 position, as he finished as high as fifth in the nation.
"I chose Mizzou because from my very first conversation with Robin, I connected with his vision and direction for the program," Raga said. "The opportunity to help build Mizzou Tennis into a consistent contender in the SEC and on the national stage made this an incredibly exciting opportunity for me and my family."
Murgett returns home to serve as an assistant coach after playing for Mizzou from 2020-22. The Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, Great Britain native spent one season as the assistant coach at Virginia Tech. During her lone year with the Hokies, the team vied for an NCAA appearance, reaching as high as No. 27 in the country and posting the longest winning streak – nine matches – since 2003-04. During that season, the team had a singles champion, and two doubles semifinalists at the ITA Regional Championships. Virginia Tech wrapped up the season with one individual in the NCAA Individual Championships en route to having its first-ever All-American in program history. This past year she joined the development office as a leadership gift officer raising substantial funds for the university.
During her playing career, Murgett spent two seasons at New Mexico before transferring to Mizzou for her final two seasons. With the Lobos, she compiled a 48-20 singles and a 45-23 doubles record. She led the team in winning percentage (.870) during the 2018-19 season, going 18-5 in singles and 20-3 in doubles.
With the Tigers, Murgett earned a win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and reached as high as No. 45 in singles and No. 31 in doubles during her junior year. She was also the ITA Regional Champion in that same year. Over the course of her senior year, she was part of the preseason No. 7-ranked doubles team alongside Marta Oliveira, and in singles play she recorded 11 wins, including three ranked wins over SEC opponents.
"Some places become part of who you are, and Mizzou has always been that place for me. I'm honored to return and help shape the future of this program," Murgett said. "Coach Robin's vision, to build the right culture, compete for championships, and establish Mizzou as an SEC contender, aligns with everything I believe in. This opportunity means everything to me, and I can't wait to get to work and continue building something special. MIZ!"
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