UT Mourns Loss Of Nicole Murphy

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa is saddened by the news that Nicole Murphy, a 2008 graduate and four-year starter for the women’s soccer team, was reportedly killed in a hit and run accident in South Africa on Tuesday.

Murphy, who was a member of the 2007 national championship women’s soccer team, was in South Africa with her family for the World Cup. Murphy graduated from UT magna cum laude in May 2008, and was a member of the UT Honors Program. According to news reports, Murphy was in her second year of medical school.

The University expresses its condolences to the Murphy family and friends.

A fund has been established to help defray the Murphy family medical expenses.

Contributions may be mailed to:
Home Bank
Account #: 2057873802
P.O. Box 81459 Lafayette, LA 70598

UT head women’s soccer coach Gerry Lucey offered the following comments regarding Murphy and her tragic death.

On Nicole Murphy as a person
"We are all devastated by the news that Nicole Murphy was killed by a drunk driver in South Africa. Nicole was a wonderful person, a great student and a very valuable member of the women's soccer program. Nicole was a good friend to her team mates and a very respectful player to her coaches.”

On coaching Nicole Murphy
“Nicole played and started all four years of her time at UT and brought a lot of energy to the left full back position. Not a naturally left footed player, she still was very effective and was huge factor in the 2007 national championship run.”

On Nicole Murphy as a player
“Nicole played so well that year and especially in the final four where she was named to the NCAA DII Final Four all-tournament team. As a coach I always knew that she would bring 90 minutes of hard running and fight, a player that could always be counted on in the tough times. I had the pleasure of coaching Nicole for three years at Tampa, two of those as Bobby Johnston's assistant. Bobby recruited Nicole from Louisiana and was excited about her potential. She definitely pushed herself to her limits and exceeded expectation.”

On Nicole Murphy as a student-athlete
“Off the field Nicole was a perfect student and never had issues. She graduated with honors and was a member of the SSC Honor Roll. Nicole was very focused on her studies and found studying easy. She was a mentor to her friends and teammates and helped them through their studies too.”

On Nicole Murphy’s plans following UT
“Just a couple of months back I wrote a letter of recommendation for Nicole. She was very excited about her future and looking forward to moving ahead with life.”

On the loss of Nicole Murphy
“Nicole has been cruelly taken from us and our thoughts are first and foremost with her immediate family. This is an extremely difficult time and we hope that we can help them through this period. My thoughts are also with our wonderful alumni who I know miss Nicole dearly. I hope from this it brings even more awareness to drunk driving and the devastating effects. Yet again innocent individuals have been left ruined and their tattered lives will have to be picked up.”

On his thoughts towards Nicole Murhpy
“Nicole, we miss you already and the love for you out there in the community is massive."