The New Year is a time to think about resolutions and goals that are achievable, such as adding some exercise into your routine or starting to eat healthier. As for Coach Arom Murrell, his goal for 2025 is to keep the Women’s Basketball team focused and make them successful. He works with his coaching staff and the two team captains to make that happen.
Coach Murrell & His Coaching Staff
In 2021, Murrell became the assistant coach for the team under Head Coach Leinard Erickson; One year later, he was the Head Coach. Coach Murrell stresses the importance of his two assistant coaches, Aaron Henderson and Noel Morrero and their roles in the team’s success. “Coach Henderson’s duties include, but are not limited to, our strength and conditioning program,” he said. Henderson also manages the team’s equipment and operations. As for Coach Morrero, he is responsible for game preparation and practice. “He also has a responsibility to keep in-game stats,” Murrell said. Both of the assistants are first year coaches for the team.
Women’s Basketball Team Players
Anyone can dribble a ball, become a point guard, a center, shooting guard or shoot a three pointer, but there are other traits Coach Murrell looks for in a player. “Having good morals and character are important for the culture of our program,” he said. He also looks for consistency and athleticism. “Our system is based on tempo and pace,” he said. Currently, the basketball team’s roster has 10 players, eight are freshmen and two returning sophmores. Rachel Schiles and Alexis Ayers are this year’s captains. “Their experience and leadership had been instrumental in helping our freshmen get up to speed in all aspects of the college experience,” said Coach Murrell. He says the two sophomores are great examples on the court and helping the young team’s transition into next level college athletes.
The Team’s Goal
Last year, the team went 18-10 during the season and made it to the NJCAA Region Semifinals against Carl Sandburg college. The team unfortunately lost that game 75-67. As Coach Murrell reflected on what happened last year and his goals for this year, he said, “There were no struggles with last year’s team, we were merely outlasted by a talented and very formidable team in Carl Sandburg.” Last year, the team had mostly sophomores that were more experienced. “The challenges of this year’s roster and talent are truly different,” he said. Coach Murrell went on to say “We still have the same goals, and will pursue the same success as last year’s team.”
