Happy Friday, Yellowjacket Nation! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of another exciting year at MSUB.

I cannot believe it has already been more than a month since I was named Interim Director of Athletics. While every day has offered something new and exciting, one thing has been clear: our community is passionate about MSUB and Yellowjacket Athletics, and there is so much to celebrate as we head into our Centennial Year.

Our student-athletes have returned to Billings, and campus is coming back to life for the 2026-27 year. Our teams have high expectations and plenty to be excited about as they prepare for their seasons. We are also excited to welcome back Yellowjacket supporters. Whether you are in the stands, watching virtually, attending a fundraising event, or following along from afar, you play an important role in our student-athletes' experience and Yellowjacket Athletics' success.

I joined Yellowjacket Athletics in 2019 when Krista Montague hired me as our Operations Coordinator. Over the past seven years, Billings has become home, and my love and appreciation for Yellowjacket Nation has only grown. I am now married to a Billings local; we just welcomed our second child, and our two-year-old is already a big fan of the "bees!"

Grateful is a word that has come to mind quite often recently. I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and do everything I can to help our student-athletes be successful in the year ahead. I am grateful for the support our department receives from campus leadership and for the tremendous group of coaches and staff we have. Most of all, I am grateful for everything MSUB represents and for the alumni, fans, donors, families, and friends who make up Yellowjacket Nation.

As MSUB celebrates its Centennial, I am grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in what promises to be a memorable year for Yellowjacket Athletics.

To everyone reading this note, I look forward to connecting with you and meeting even more of the people who make up Yellowjacket Nation. Please stay tuned for an exciting year, and watch for home game schedules, game promotions, new booster clubs, facility improvements, engagement opportunities, and more.

I hope to see you at a Yellowjacket event soon!

Go Jackets!
Andrew Bonner
Interim Director of Athletics

P.S.: Don't forget to mark your calendar for our annual Halloween Auction! I hope you'll join us for one of our favorite Yellowjacket traditions. Reserve your spot and purchase your tickets here.