Who is Alyssa Murray and what are her notable achievements in women’s lacrosse. How did she impact Syracuse University’s lacrosse program. What records did Alyssa Murray set during her collegiate career. Why is Alyssa Murray considered one of the greatest lacrosse players in Syracuse history.
Alyssa Murray’s Record-Breaking Career at Syracuse
Alyssa Murray’s lacrosse career at Syracuse University was nothing short of extraordinary. Her impact on the program was profound, leaving an indelible mark in the record books. Murray’s exceptional skills and consistent performance placed her among the elite players in Syracuse’s history.
Murray’s career statistics are awe-inspiring:
- Second on Syracuse’s all-time scoring list with 362 points
- Third in career goals (225) and assists (136)
- Fourth in single-season points (110 in 2014)
These numbers illustrate Murray’s versatility as both a prolific scorer and a selfless playmaker. Her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made her an invaluable asset to the Orange.
Tewaaraton Award Finalist: A Mark of Excellence
The Tewaaraton Award is considered the highest individual honor in college lacrosse. Murray’s excellence on the field earned her finalist status for this prestigious award in consecutive years. This recognition solidified her status as one of the nation’s top lacrosse players.
What makes a player a Tewaaraton Award finalist? The criteria typically include:
- Outstanding individual performance
- Leadership qualities
- Contribution to team success
- Sportsmanship and character
Murray’s repeated nomination for this award speaks volumes about her all-around excellence and impact on the sport.
All-American Honors and Conference Recognition
Throughout her career, Murray consistently received accolades from various organizations, highlighting her dominance in the sport:
- IWLCA All-America First Team honoree
- All-Northeast Region First Team selection
- All-ACC First Team
- ACC All-Tournament team
- NCAA All-Tournament Team
These honors reflect Murray’s ability to perform at the highest level against top competition, both in regular-season play and in high-pressure tournament situations.
Breaking Barriers: Murray’s Historic Achievements
Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse was marked by several historic accomplishments that set her apart from her peers:
- First player in school history to record 100 or more points three times in her career
- Second player in school history to record 300 points, 200 goals, and 100 assists in her career
- Holds the record for most points (49) and goals (33) by a Syracuse player in NCAA Tournament play
These achievements demonstrate Murray’s consistency, longevity, and ability to elevate her game in crucial moments. Her performance in NCAA Tournament play, in particular, showcases her clutch abilities and leadership when it mattered most.
Senior Year Dominance: A Season to Remember
Murray’s senior year in 2014 was a culmination of her growth and development as a player. Her performance during this season was particularly noteworthy:
- Named ‘Cuse Awards Female Athlete of the Year
- Recorded 110 points, ranking fourth in single-season points at Syracuse
- Led the team in scoring in multiple high-stakes games
Some of Murray’s standout performances during her senior year include:
- Eight points (4g, 4a) and three caused turnovers against Loyola
- Six points (4g, 2a) on Syracuse’s first six goals against Loyola in another match
- Six goals and three assists against Virginia in the NCAA semifinals
- Three goals and an assist against Maryland in the national championship game
These performances highlight Murray’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments, demonstrating her leadership and clutch capabilities.
Murray’s Impact Beyond the Stats
While Murray’s statistical achievements are impressive, her impact on the Syracuse lacrosse program extended beyond the numbers. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made her a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Murray’s versatility was a key aspect of her game. She wasn’t just a scorer; she was equally adept at creating opportunities for her teammates. This well-rounded skill set made her a nightmare for opposing defenses and a valuable asset to her team.
Furthermore, Murray’s academic achievements shouldn’t be overlooked. She was a member of the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 Athletic Directors Honor Roll, demonstrating her commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Junior Year Success: Laying the Groundwork
Murray’s junior year set the stage for her spectacular senior season. During this year, she:
- Was named BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year
- Earned All-Northeast Region First Team selection
- Named to the All-BIG EAST First Team
- Selected for the All-Tournament Team
By the end of her junior year, Murray had already cemented her place in Syracuse lacrosse history:
- Ranked fifth on Syracuse’s career goals list with 142 goals
- Ranked fifth on the all-time scoring list with 236 points
- Tied for third on Syracuse’s all-time assists list with 85 assists
These achievements set the stage for her record-breaking senior year and underscored her consistent excellence throughout her collegiate career.
Murray’s Playing Style and Strengths
Analyzing Murray’s game statistics and achievements, we can identify several key strengths that made her such a formidable player:
- Scoring Ability: With 225 career goals, Murray was a constant threat to opposing defenses.
- Playmaking: Her 136 career assists demonstrate her vision and ability to create opportunities for teammates.
- Consistency: Murray’s ability to record 100+ point seasons multiple times shows her reliability as a top performer.
- Big-Game Performance: Her NCAA Tournament records highlight her ability to elevate her game when it matters most.
- Versatility: Murray’s all-around game allowed her to impact matches in multiple ways, whether through scoring, assisting, or causing turnovers.
These attributes combined to make Murray one of the most complete attackers in Syracuse lacrosse history.
Murray’s Influence on Team Success
While individual accolades are impressive, Murray’s impact on Syracuse’s team success cannot be overstated. During her tenure, Syracuse consistently competed at the highest level, reaching the NCAA Tournament and contending for championships.
Murray’s leadership and clutch performances in key games were crucial to the team’s success. Her ability to step up in big moments, as evidenced by her NCAA Tournament records, often provided the spark Syracuse needed in high-pressure situations.
Legacy and Impact on Syracuse Lacrosse
Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse left an indelible mark on the program. Her records and achievements set a new standard for excellence that future players will aspire to reach. Beyond the numbers, Murray’s impact can be seen in:
- Raising the profile of Syracuse women’s lacrosse nationally
- Inspiring younger players and recruits
- Contributing to a winning culture within the program
Murray’s success at Syracuse likely played a role in attracting future talent to the program, helping to ensure its continued success even after her departure.
Comparing Murray to Other Syracuse Greats
Where does Alyssa Murray rank among Syracuse’s all-time greats? Her statistical achievements certainly put her in elite company. Consider these comparisons:
- Second all-time in scoring (362 points)
- Third in both career goals (225) and assists (136)
Only a select few players in Syracuse history can boast such a combination of scoring prowess and playmaking ability. Murray’s consistency across multiple seasons and her performances in big games further solidify her place among the program’s legends.
Murray’s Impact on the National Stage
While Murray’s impact on Syracuse is clear, her influence extended to the national lacrosse scene as well. Her multiple selections as a Tewaaraton Award finalist placed her among the elite players in the country. This national recognition not only brought prestige to Murray but also elevated the profile of the entire Syracuse program.
Murray’s performances in NCAA Tournament play further showcased her talents on the biggest stage in college lacrosse. Her record-setting point and goal totals in tournament play demonstrated her ability to excel against the nation’s best competition when the stakes were highest.
Murray’s Versatility: A Key to Success
One of the most impressive aspects of Murray’s game was her versatility. While primarily known for her scoring and assisting, Murray’s all-around game was evident in her stat lines. Throughout her career, she regularly contributed in other areas:
- Ground balls
- Caused turnovers
- Draw controls
This versatility made Murray a complete player, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. It also made her invaluable to her team, as she could adapt her play to whatever the situation demanded.
Murray’s Career Progression
Examining Murray’s career trajectory provides insight into her development as a player. While she was a standout from early in her career, her progression is evident:
- Junior Year: Established herself as one of the nation’s top attackers, earning BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year honors
- Senior Year: Elevated her game further, becoming a Tewaaraton Award finalist and setting several career records
This progression demonstrates Murray’s commitment to improvement and her ability to elevate her game year after year. It’s a testament to her work ethic and dedication to her craft.
Murray’s Consistency Across Seasons
One of the most impressive aspects of Murray’s career was her consistency. She didn’t just have one or two standout seasons; she performed at an elite level throughout her time at Syracuse. This consistency is evidenced by:
- Multiple 100+ point seasons
- Repeated selections to all-conference and all-region teams
- Consistent contributions in goals, assists, and other statistical categories
This level of consistency is rare and speaks to Murray’s dedication, skill, and ability to perform under pressure year after year.
Murray’s Academic Success
While Murray’s athletic achievements are impressive, it’s important to note her success in the classroom as well. Her inclusion on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in both the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters demonstrates her commitment to academic excellence.
This balance of athletic and academic achievement is a hallmark of a true student-athlete. It showcases Murray’s ability to manage the demands of Division I athletics while maintaining high academic standards.
Murray’s Lacrosse IQ and Game Awareness
Beyond her physical skills, Murray’s lacrosse IQ and game awareness were critical components of her success. These qualities are evident in:
- Her ability to consistently find open teammates (136 career assists)
- Her knack for scoring in crucial moments
- Her all-around contributions in various statistical categories
Murray’s game awareness allowed her to read defenses effectively, make smart decisions with the ball, and position herself optimally both with and without the ball. These intangible qualities, combined with her physical skills, made her a truly elite player.
Murray’s Leadership On and Off the Field
While statistics can quantify Murray’s on-field contributions, her leadership and impact on team culture are equally important aspects of her legacy. As one of the team’s top players, Murray likely played a significant role in:
- Setting the tone for work ethic and dedication in practice
- Mentoring younger players
- Providing a steadying presence in high-pressure situations
These leadership qualities, while not reflected in statistics, are crucial for team success and likely contributed significantly to Syracuse’s achievements during Murray’s tenure.
Murray’s Impact on Women’s Lacrosse
Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse coincided with a period of growth and increased visibility for women’s lacrosse. As one of the sport’s standout players, Murray likely played a role in:
- Inspiring young female athletes to take up lacrosse
- Showcasing the excitement and skill involved in women’s lacrosse
- Elevating the profile of the sport through her performances in high-profile games
While it’s difficult to quantify this impact, players of Murray’s caliber often serve as ambassadors for their sport, helping to grow its popularity and inspire the next generation of players.
Murray’s Place in Syracuse Lacrosse History
As we reflect on Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse, it’s clear that she has earned her place among the program’s all-time greats. Her combination of individual excellence, team success, and consistent performance over multiple seasons puts her in rarified air.
Key factors that cement Murray’s legacy include:
- Her position near the top of multiple career statistical categories
- Her performances in high-stakes games and tournaments
- Her role in elevating Syracuse’s national profile in women’s lacrosse
- Her well-rounded game that impacted matches in multiple ways
While comparing players across different eras can be challenging, Murray’s achievements speak for themselves. Her name will undoubtedly be mentioned alongside the greatest players in Syracuse lacrosse history for years to come.
Murray’s Lasting Impact on Syracuse Lacrosse
The impact of a player like Alyssa Murray extends far beyond their time on campus. Her legacy at Syracuse is likely to be felt in several ways:
- As a benchmark for future players to aspire to
- In the records and achievements that will challenge future generations
- Through the winning culture she helped establish and maintain
- In the memories of fans who witnessed her exceptional performances
Players like Murray don’t come along often, and their impact on a program can be transformative. Her career at Syracuse will likely be remembered as a golden era for the program, inspiring both her contemporaries and future players to strive for excellence.
Alyssa Murray – Women’s Lacrosse
Notables: Second on school’s all-time scoring list (362 pts.) … Third in career goals (225) and assists (136) … Fourth in single season points (2014 – 110 pts.)
Senior Year: Tewaaraton Award finalist for the second consecutive year … IWLCA All-America First Team honoree … All-Northeast Region First Team selection … Voted to the All-ACC First Team as well as the ACC All-Tournament team … Member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team … 2014 ‘Cuse Awards Female Athlete of the Year … First player in school history to record 100 or more points in three times in her career … Second player in school history to record 300 points, 200 goals and 100 assists in her career … Recorded more points (49) and goals (33) than any other Syracuse player in NCAA Tournament play … Notched seven points (4g, 3a), one ground ball and a caused turnover against Jacksonville … Recorded five points (4g, 1a), a ground ball and a draw control against Stetson . .. Moved into a tie for fourth place on the school’s all-time goals scored list (171) with six points (2g, 4a) against Canisius … Picked up a pair of goals, ground balls and draw controls, as well as an assist against Virginia … Scored three goals against Boston College … Registered five points (1g, 4a) and two ground balls against Towson … Scored two goals, picked up a ground ball and won two draw controls versus Maryland … Notched three points (2g, 1a) and won two draw controls against Florida … Recorded five points (2g, 3a), picked up a ground ball, caused two turnovers and won three draw controls against Harvard … Tallied three points (1g, 2a) and a draw control against Northwestern … Collected seven points (3g, 4a) and a draw control against Duke …Recorded a trio of goals, an assist, two ground balls, a caused turnover and a draw control against Albany … Scored five goals and collected three ground balls against Virginia Tech … Tied her season high with four assists to go along with one goal against No. 1 North Carolina … Scored a pair of goals at Cornell … Recorded five points (3g, 2a) and a draw control at Notre Dame … Scored a team-high five goals and dished out one assist against Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament … Had a goal, two assists, two draw controls and a ground ball against North Carolina in the conference tournament … Had six points (4g, 2a) on Syracuse’s first six goals against Loyola … Netted back-to-back goals to spark the Orange’s comeback against the Greyhounds … Finished with eight points (4g, 4a) and three caused turnovers against Loyola … Posted a team-high four goals to go along with two assists against Stony Brook … Also had two caused turnovers, two ground balls and a draw control against the Seawolves … Recorded a goal and two assists against Boston College in the NCAA quarterfinals … Also had two caused turnovers and a ground ball against the Eagles … Tallied six goals and three assists against Virginia in the NCAA semifinals … Posted three goals and an assists against Maryland in the national championship game . .. Was a member of the Fall 2013 and the Sping 2014 Athletic Directors Honor Roll.
Junior Year: Named BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year … All-Northeast Region First Team selection … Named to the All-BIG EAST First Team … All-Tournament Team selection … Ranks fifth on Syracuse’s career goals list and all-time scoring list with 142 goals and 236 points … Tied for third on Syracuse’s all-time assists list with 85 assists … Recorded five points, three ground balls and one caused turnover against Jacksonville … Registered four goals (3g, 1a), two ground balls and a draw control against Maryland … Notched three draw controls, a caused turnover and a team-high four goals against Virginia … Tallied four points (2g, 2a) against Florida … Picked up an assist, a caused turnover and two ground balls against Towson … Posted eight points (5g, 3a), two draw controls and a ground ball against Connecticut … Tallied five points (2g, 3a) and a ground ball against Boston College . .. Recorded five goals and three draw controls against Northwestern … Notched seven points (5g, 2a), a ground ball, a caused turnover and a draw control against Villanova … Picked up a caused turnover against Rutgers … Registered seven points (5g, 2a), a ground ball, a draw control and a caused turnover against Louisville … Posted six points (3g, 3a) and a ground ball against Cincinnati … Recorded four points (3g, 1a), five ground balls and four caused turnovers against Cornell … Tallied five points (4g, 1a), two caused turnovers and a ground ball against Notre Dame … Picked up five points (1g, 4a), a ground ball and a caused turnover against Marquette … Notched eight points (3g, 5a) and a draw control against Loyola … Registered five points (3g, 2a), four ground balls, two draw controls and a caused turnover against Georgetown … Posted five points (3g, 2a), two draw controls and a ground ball against Connecticut … Recorded two goals and three ground balls against Georgetown.
Sophomore Year: Played in all 23 games, making 22 starts … Led the nation in points (105) and goals (74) … Ranked 10th in the nation in points per game (4.57) and 12th in goals per game (3.22) … IWLCA All-America First Team selection … First-team All-Northeast Region honoree … Unanimous selection to the All-BIG EAST First Team … Named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team … Also named to the WomensLax.com and SynapseSports.com All-America First Team … 2012 ‘Cuse Awards Female Performance of the Year award winner … Posted career highs in points, goals, assists (31) and ground balls (15) … Set the single-game school record for goals in a game with eight against Boston College in the season opener … Named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week after recording five points (2g, 3a) against No. 9 Notre Dame and seven points (6g, 1a) against Rutgers … Three-time member of the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll … Recorded seven goals against Connecticut and Cincinnati and finished with eight points in both contests … Scored four or more goals in nine games and posted five or more points in 12 games … Finished with four points against Dartmouth, North Carolina and Florida in the NCAA Tournament … Led SU in scoring in the tournament with 13 points.
Freshman Year: Started every game for the Orange … Tied for the team lead in draw controls (32) … Ranked third on the team in scoring with 48 points (24 goals, 24 assists) … Matched a career-high of five points (one goal, four assists) and one draw control against Loyola in the Big East Tournament…Had three points (one goal, two assists) against Villanova … Tallied four points (two goals, two assists) against Loyola … Recorded three points (one goal, two assists) and four draw controls against Cornell … Scored two goals and had one assist against Cincinnati … Registered one goal and three ground balls against Louisville … Had four points (two goals, two assists) and three draw controls against Georgetown … Picked up a career-best four ground balls and had two goals against Connecticut … Tallied a pair of goals and two draw controls against Dartmouth … Scored two goals against Rutgers … Registered two assists against Northwestern … Recorded five points (three goals, two assists) . .. Registered a career-best four draw controls against Virginia … Recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in her collegiate debut in the season opener against Colgate … Registered three draw controls against the Raiders.
High School: 2009 US Lacrosse All-America honoree… Finished her high school career with 284 goals and 279 assists, a New York state record… Named All-Suffolk County four times… Two-time Newsday All-Long Island Team honoree… Served as team captain in 2009 and 2010… Also a member of the basketball team… Member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Born in March 1992… Daughter of Ray and Lisa Murray… One sister… Father, Ray, played lacrosse at Adelphi University… Mother, Lisa, swam at the University of Connecticut … Majoring in child and family studies.
Alyssa Murray Cometti’s Profile | Inside Lacrosse Journalist
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Get in touch with Alyssa Murray
Contact Alyssa Murray, search articles and Tweets, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack
ILWomen Committed Academy 2023: Day 1 Results & Standouts From More Than a Dozen DI Programs
Jun 26, 2023
|
By Alyssa Murray Cometti, Matt Kinnear
|
Inside LacrosseVerified
Tuesday June 27th, 2023 11:00am (Inside Lacrosse Photos: Jim Beaver)Day 1 of Committed Academy was full of meeting future teammates and competitive lacrosse. Six teams made up of players from 58 DI programs met to take part in an ILWomen run event hosted by Top of the Bay Sports at DE Turf in Frederica, DE. Teams were broken up into four different pools with two game each day.
Open in Who Shared
Wrong byline?
Virginia’s Julie Myers Steps Down After 28-Year Tenure as Head Coach
Jun 21, 2023
|
By Emily Considine, Matt Kinnear, Alyssa Murray Cometti
|
Inside LacrosseVerified
Wednesday June 21st, 2023 6:00pm (Photo Courtesy of Virginia Athletics)Julie Myers, the highly accomplished head coach of Virginia women’s lacrosse, has officially resigned from her position, announced in a press release Wednesday afternoon. Myers was at the helm of UVA’s program for the past 28 years, leading her teams to the postseason every year except for 2020 when NCAA spring championships were canceled due to the pandemic.
Open in Who Shared
Wrong byline?
Brown Announces Katrina Dowd as Bears’ New Head Coach
Jun 21, 2023
|
By Emily Considine, Matt Kinnear, Alyssa Murray Cometti
|
Inside LacrosseVerified
(Inside Lacrosse Photo: John Strohsacker)Brown University announced Katrina Dowd as its new head coach in a press release earlier today.