Sophomore Alexus Murray leads Lady Scots into 2017 season
The Maryville College Softball team’s 2015-2016 campaign was one of the most successful years in recent history. The Lady Scots finished 25-17 and captured their first winning record since joining the USA South Conference in 2012. Much of that success can be accredited to the 2015 freshman class—now sophomores.
One of those sophomores is Alexus Murray. Murray had an outstanding year on the diamond for the Lady Scots. She finished ranked third in the NCAA DIII in At-Bats with 144, third in hits with 58, sixth in the nation with 13 doubles, seventh in the nation with 3 triples, eighth in the nation with 36 RBIs.
Murray had a Batting Average of .403, an on base percentage of .427, and a slugging percentage of .556, all of which ranked in the top-30 of the NCAA DIII. Murray was also named to the All-USA South Second Team.
Murray is a catcher from Buford, Georgia. Murray credited her father for instilling her love for the game in her at a young age. Playing baseball himself, he had a passion for softball and wanted her to love it too, and she began at the age of 5 years old. Murray gained interest in coming to MC to play for the Lady Scots when head coach Leah Kelley began recruiting her.
“After I came to visit I fell in love. The campus felt like home and then I realized there was an academic challenge, and I knew this was the school for me,” said Murray.
The competitive side to the game is one of the biggest reasons the MC catcher has a passion for the game.
“You have to constantly work hard or someone will and then you’re left behind, and this just motivates me to be great,” said Murray.
Murray attributes a large benefit of playing softball at MC back to playing under the direction of Kelley. She stated that Kelley, unlike many coaches, makes sure the job gets done while still making sure the players stay in love with the game.
“She provides a very comfortable environment and acts as a mother figure for those of us who are far away from home,” said Murray.
A sense of leadership, according to Murray, is one of her personal strengths. She stated that she likes to lead by example, but sometimes struggle with vocalizing that leadership. Murray still is confident that any member of the team is comfortable with confiding in her.
Her teammates and coaches are also what motivate her and keep her going through any struggle that she may face in softball.
“They motivate me and have my back through the ups and downs,” said Murray. “They won’t let me quit, they will push me and stand by my side until I get back on track.”
Murray’s dedication shines in the accomplishments she has achieved during her athletic and academic career at MC. Last season, this start catcher was voted rookie of the year by her fellow teammates and named Second Team All-Conference Catcher for the USA South Conference. Her intelligence shines off the field as she was also honored by being named to the All-Academic Team, and her leadership has continued to shine into the new season as she was named the new team captain.
Murray also enjoys watching her favorite player, Megan Willis from the USA Pride, play the game. Outside of the game, Murray loves the color teal and the movie Love and Basketball.
Before every game, Murray prepares by listening to five specific songs and then praying until she reaches the field.
You can catch this all-star athlete at any of the Lady Scots Softball games. The MC Softball team will take on Berry College on the home plate on March 1.