McMurray Steps Down as TU Women's Tennis Coach
6/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
June 17, 2005
Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa's Paige McMurray has resigned her position as the head coach of the Golden Hurricane women's tennis team, it was announced today. McMurray leaves the coaching ranks to spend more time with her family.
McMurray recently completed her seventh season at the helm of the Tulsa women's program. She has established herself as the school's winningest coach with an overall record of 104-65. McMurray's teams posted all-time school-bests for most wins in a season (21), most career wins (104), and the highest winning percentage in both a season and career.
Under her tutelage, McMurray has led Tulsa to two NCAA Tournament appearances. During the 1999-2000 season, TU had its highest national ranking, coming in as high as number 23.
"I have completely enjoyed my nine years at The University of Tulsa. I am sad to be leaving but excited to spend more time with my growing family. My husband and I have very heavy hearts leaving TU. The program is in very good hands and I will continue to be as involved as I can. This is a very talented group of young ladies and I have full confidence that they will be returning to the NCAA tournament in no time," said McMurray.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judy MacLeod, Crista Troester and Vince Westbrook for giving me the opportunity to build the women's tennis program," added McMurray. "The support staff at TU has been wonderful and I certainly could not have accomplished what I did without the help of my assistant Shea Simpson. Together we have laid a foundation based on developing student-athletes into competitive college tennis players and also successful young women. I would also like to thank the young ladies that I have had the opportunity to coach over the last nine years. Together we have accomplished many athletic goals but more than that I want them to know how much each one of them has enriched me and my family."
Tulsa posted an 11-12 record this year and fell in the quarterfinals of the WAC Championships.
McMurray has coached one All-American, three ITA Central Region singles champions, three ITA Central Region doubles champions and has had five players participate in the NCAA singles tournament. She was named the 2000 Central Region Coach of the Year.
McMurray and her husband, Kurston, have two young sons, Jake and Cooper, and are expecting their third child in November.
"Paige has done an outstanding job establishing our women's tennis program as one of the top programs in this region and competing on the national stage as well," said TU Athletics Director Judy MacLeod. "We will miss her tremendous enthusiasm and ability to communicate with our young women. I know that Paige and her family will continue to be extremely supportive of our athletic program and the tennis teams."
