Kelly Murphy is a rock for Florida.
A first-team All-American last season, Murphy is the Gators’ leading returner in kills (337) and one of five seniors suiting up for coach Mary Wise’s squad as it opens its season at 7:30 tonight against Boston College in the O’Connell Center.
“She’s a pretty cerebral type of player,” Wise said. “She’s not the most emotional player by any stretch, but what she is is a go-to player.”
In terms of leadership, Murphy could be considered the type of player who sets an example for her teammates with her play on the court.
As her kill numbers indicate, Murphy is an offensive force, but she also showed her versatility by recording the third-most digs (239) for UF last season.
“Kelly has the skills, whether it’s behind the service line, whether it’s setting or attacking, she has the skills,” Wise said. “She wants the ball, she wants to make the plays at crunch time, and she can deliver. That’s what you want in a senior, an experienced player.”
However, being a leader is more than putting together a good effort on the court each match.
Murphy now shoulders the responsibility — with her fellow seniors — of keeping the Gators focused on competing for the Southeastern Conference and national titles.
Add the increased national attention for her efforts during the 2010 campaign to the equation, and Murphy is dealing with quite a spotlight.
“There’s definitely a little bit more pressure,” Murphy said. “Being a senior, there’s a lot more responsibility because you’re the oldest on the team, so everybody’s looking up to you. You definitely have that pressure to perform all the time when the team’s doing well, when the team’s not doing well.”
Murphy’s choice in leadership style can go many ways, but her cool demeanor will likely rule out.
Fortunately for the underclassmen, Murphy said this year’s seniors took notes from leaders in the past, who showed that each can take an individual approach in setting an example.
“I’ve always been (level-headed),” Murphy said. “I’ll get fired up sometimes when there’s pressure, but when other people around you are panicking a little bit — it’s just that I’ve always been a setter and the setter’s always been that person to have control over the team. You’re going to touch the ball every play, so you can’t freak out or else everyone around is going to start freaking out.”
Senior setter Kelly Murphy, a first-team All-American, led UF with 337 kills last season and must keep her teammates focused.
