Former Whitefish Bulldog, Luke Fennelly, Named GNAC Coach of the Year

Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:03 AM

Luke Fennelly. Photo Copyright, MSU Billings

Fennelly, a 2007 graduate of Whitefish High, is in his first year as head coach of Montana State University Billings and has helped lead the Yellowjackets to their first ever Regular Season Title, boasting a 20-8 overall record.

The Jackets are a Division II School, competing in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

It's been a historic season for the MSUB Men's basketball team this year. Not only did they win their first ever GNAC Regular Season Title but followed that up with four players being named all-conference.

This is Fennelly's fourth year as a part of the program. He spent the first three years at MSUB as an assistant coach. He was promoted to associate head basketball coach ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Before MSUB, Fennelly spent seven years as a member of the Montana State University coaching staff.

He would climb the ranks, becoming one of the youngest D1 assistant coaches when he assumed the position at MSU at the age of 28.

A coach is only as good as his locker room. Big thanks to the coaching staff @Brucebasketball and @anders_epperly and a special group of players who made this possible. I am because you are!! #UBUNTU https://t.co/ZFqZt7Gjxa
— Luke Fennelly (@CoachFenn) March 6, 2024

Up Next: The MSUB Men's basketball team will be taking part in the GNAC Championship tournament, taking place at the Nicholson Pavilion in Ellensburg, Wash. The tourney takes place March 7th through the 9th.

Below, check out some photos from when Fennelly was a WHS student-athlete. Photos courtesy of Whitefish High School.