Photo by Rhianna Barrow
On Wednesday, May 5, the Lady Flames Volleyball team announced the hiring of their new head coach, Callie Murphy. Murphy is the third Lee volleyball head coach in program history.
Former head coach Andrea Hudson announced her retirement in February. Hudson served as head coach for 30 years. During her time, the team became one of the top collegiate teams, with 839 wins and only 398 defeats.
“There are so many good things you could say about Coach Hudson. She has pushed us to our limits, but has done her part to make us better,” said junior Health Science major Caliana Coy.
A search committee was established to find the perfect fit for Hudson’s position. 87 applicants were reviewed, and after several rounds of interviews, Murphy was chosen.
“We take Lee Athletics seriously, and we want to do it with high caliber skillful players that conduct themselves in a Christian sportsman manner. That is the culture of the university, that is the culture of our athletic program,” said President Dr. Mark Walker. “And that's why this hire for our head volleyball coach for the Lady Flames was so important because that's been the culture that's been established by coach Andrea Hudson for the past 30 years. So we were looking for someone that could come in and maintain that culture, but even take it to the next level.”
Murphy, a former Gulf South Conference standout setter at West Alabama, also worked as an assistant coach at Cedarville University. Murphy is a 2017 graduate of West Alabama where she earned her bachelor's degree in integrated marketing communications with an emphasis in sports media.
According to Walker, Murphy exhibited passion and determination, impressing the search committee. Murphy is looking forward to bringing that passion and determination to her position at Lee. Athletic Director Larry Carpenter chaired the committee, which was comprised of members selected from the university at large, the athletic department and volleyball alumnus.
“I remember my dad saying, ‘I know Lee, this is your perfect fit. This is where God's calling you.’ So I prayed that night, and I sent in my application,” said Murphy.
Murphy is looking forward to not only expanding the team’s athletic ability but also preparing the young women to be confident leaders and champions by consistently striving for excellence in all areas of their life.
“From the moment I walked in the locker room, I saw all their smiling faces and I saw that they just had a passion in them,” said Murphy. “I could tell that I found a new family and that they were feeling my purpose that God had called for me.”
