Running onto the court as a sophomore point guard in Terre Haut, Ind. for the 2003 women’s NCAA Div. III Final Four was the highlight of her athletic career, Alumna Katie Murphy said.
“Running into the gym and the gym was full of Eau Claire fans who traveled to support us was awesome,” Murphy said.
| “I think Katie brought out the best in every single player.” –Tonja Englund Coach |
Having a sophomore start at point guard at a Final Four was a unique experience, said Murphy’s former coach Tonja Englund.
“(Murphy) had a lot of coaching qualities that you don’t necessarily see in someone so young,” Englund said.
Murphy was recently honored, along with five others, with the 2005 Super Six Award.
“I was very excited because I knew it was a great honor to be able to be in the same category with the athletes with me and those prior to me,” Murphy said of her being chosen for a Super Six Award.
Murphy was a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team. During her four years, she won many accolades, including team Rookie of the Year in 2001-2002 and being named to the WIAC All-Defensive Team as a senior. She was also team captain during her junior and senior seasons.
Englund said Murphy was always an extension of her on the court.
“I think Katie brought out the best in every single player. She was a very humble leader,” Englund said. “She was always doing what was best for the team.”
Former teammate, sophomore Angie Foschi, said Murphy could always be looked to on and off the court.
“She was basically the coach on the floor,” Foschi said. “She’s a great leader. You could always count on her.”
Foschi said losing a four-year point guard and leader like Murphy has been difficult for the team, but luckily the team has had some new leaders step up.
“Katie was very vocal (on the court). She directed traffic and told people where they needed to be,” Foschi said. “But we’ve had some great leaders start to step up and fill that huge void.”
Murphy graduated in August with a degree in kinesiology and emphasis in exercise management. Her summer internship with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx has now led to a full-time job.
With the Lynx, Murphy works with the team, doing different travel plans, practice plans, scouting breakdowns and putting together tapes for the coach and general manager. She is also the Lynx’s main contact with other teams in the league, she said.
“It’s been a really great experience so far,” Murphy said. “The people I get to meet and the people I interact with on a daily basis are really the perk of my job.”
In addition to her job with the Lynx, Murphy also coaches an eighth grade girls traveling basketball team. She said she would like to one day get into full-time coaching.
Englund said no matter what Murphy does, it will always be done with dignity.
“She always competed extremely hard and with a great amount of class,” Englund said. “She is what a true Blugold is; she did everything with excellence.”
