An inside look at Pacific’s 2023 volleyball season
Number ten on the Boxer volleyball team Mara Murphy is one of Pacific’s star athletes. Murphy, a junior hailing from Salt Lake City, finished as a First Team All-Northwest Conference selection in 2022. Tallying 369 kills in a single season, she also set a new program record that same year. Murphy is off to another torrid start this year. Over seven games, she has recorded 93 kills, and on September 7, she set her season single-game high of 23. Off the court, she is a psychology major and gymnastics fan, listing Simone Biles as her favorite athlete.
Pacific is currently 4-6 overall; however, the bulk of their season remains. Many of the games this year have been non-conference affairs, including a trip to Chicago at the beginning of the season. October will be the crucial month, filled with conference games against the likes of Lewis & Clark College, the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University. Last year, the Boxers finished 8-8 in conference play. To get the inside scoop on the volleyball team, the Pacific Index sat down with Murphy.
The Index: When did you realize your passion for volleyball? And, what is the biggest lesson it has taught you?
Mara Murphy: I realized I was passionate about volleyball during my freshman year of high school. I just had fun every day and decided it was something I wanted to continue. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from volleyball is to go with the flow, stay present in the moment, and have fun!
The Index: What stood out to you about Pacific during your recruiting journey?
MM: When I came to visit Pacific, the campus really stood out to me. It was so pretty, and the trees were so green and so tall, and I felt at home here. I also loved that Pacific has great academics.
The Index: What are your personal and team goals for this season?
MM: This season, I want to be the best teammate I can be and be an all-around steady player who can provide points for my team. My biggest team goal is to make it to the NWC tournament and ultimately to win it.
The Index: What is your favorite volleyball memory from Pacific?
MM: My favorite volleyball memory here is beating Whitworth at home last year! Come support us in the Red Den!!
— Zander Breault
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