Each year the National Collegiate Athletic Association hands out the NCAA Woman of the Year award.

According to the NCAA, “the award is unique because it recognizes not only the athletics achievements of outstanding young women, but also their academic achievements, community service and leadership.”

This year St. Edward’s former soccer player and recent graduate Rachel Murray was named as a finalist for the 2014 NCAA Woman of Year award. During her career at St. Edward’s she led her team to two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. Murray was named Heartland Conference Player of the Week five times and was on the Daktronics All-Region team four times.

What’s most impressive about Murray is the way she led her team while finding the time to help and inspire others.

“Rachel Murray is a role model for all of our women soccer players at St. Edward’s University,” head soccer coach Nick Cowell said. “She was a fierce competitor who never wanted to lose anything. She was also the fittest player on the team every year because of her commitment to her continual improvement.”

Along with being named a finalist for the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year award, Murray has also received the honor of the 2014 Heartland Conference’s Woman of the year. As extraordinary as Murray was on the field, what’s more remarkable is her academic and extracurricular resume.

“She had a flawless and decorated academic career in Biology,” Cowell said. “She’s also made a difference in other people’s lives with her commitment to community service including two mission trips to India and Africa.”

By earning a 4.0 GPA in biology as an undergraduate and working to help others around the world, Murray has earned her role as a favorite to win the NCAA Woman of Year award.

Though others give her high praise, Murray is a lot more modest when speaking of herself.

“I had so much support while being an athlete at St. Edward’s. My coaches were phenomenal; all the professors in the biology and chemistry department were so helpful with me missing classes; the athletic trainers were always so willing to help and the athletic administration, like Debbie [Taylor] and Melinda [Terry], were always there to help me with any problems, and they always showed their support,” Murray said. “I have nothing but fond memories and gratitude for all the staff and people who supported me for four years I was at St. Edward’s.”

Ask anyone who worked closely with Murray during her four years at St. Edward’s: her character and work ethic, on and off the field, was tremendous.

“Rachel was such an incredibly hard worker on and off the field and it shows in all of her successes. She was a great teammate and an even better friend,” senior soccer player Megan Anderson said.

As one of the most decorated Toppers, Murray would be a worthy recipient of the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year title.

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