June 1, 2005
GRYPHONS NAME NEW WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH
The Guelph Gryphons didn't have to look far for a new head coach for their Women's Soccer program. The Department of Athletics hired Tracey Murphy, former assistant coach for the past six years. Murphy often referred to as "Rambo" takes over the reins from Laurie Halfpenny-Mitchell, who has relinquished her position after six seasons to take on more administrative responsibilities and will soon have her second child. Halfpenny-Mitchell exits with a 34-16-12 regular season record capturing an OUA silver medal and CIS bronze in 1999 and 4 division titles from 2000-02 and 2004. In 1999, Laurie was selected West Division Coach of the Year and Central-South Division Coach of the Year in 2000.
Tracey, originally from North Bay, Ontario, graduated from the University of Guelph in 1999 with an honours degree in Philosophy. She played for the Gryphons from 1990-94 under Keith Mason and returned in 1998-99 under the direction of Eric Stewart. This former MVP still plays competitive soccer for the Guelph Royals.
Murphy began her coaching career as an assistant coach at John F. Ross Secondary school in Guelph from 1998-2002 during which time the Royals were District 10 champions for 4 consecutive years.
Murphy stated, "I anticipate that the transition to head coach will flow as smoothly as when Laurie took over the helm from Eric Stewart. I'm full of energy, looking forward to taking on the challenge and building on the success of the program."
"Laurie did a great job for us for six years,\" said Gryphon Director of Athletics, Tom Kendall. \"She put everything that she had into fostering the program, but her expertise is required in management. Now, we have Tracey stepping up to the plate with a new enthusiasm and coaching ideas that will benefit our student-athletes. With Tracey's dedication and ambition, we are confident that the Gryphons will be contenders for the division title.\"
Murphy said that the Gryphons will round out a strong coaching staff in the near future.
Tracey, originally from North Bay, Ontario, graduated from the University of Guelph in 1999 with an honours degree in Philosophy. She played for the Gryphons from 1990-94 under Keith Mason and returned in 1998-99 under the direction of Eric Stewart. This former MVP still plays competitive soccer for the Guelph Royals.
Murphy began her coaching career as an assistant coach at John F. Ross Secondary school in Guelph from 1998-2002 during which time the Royals were District 10 champions for 4 consecutive years.
Murphy stated, "I anticipate that the transition to head coach will flow as smoothly as when Laurie took over the helm from Eric Stewart. I'm full of energy, looking forward to taking on the challenge and building on the success of the program."
"Laurie did a great job for us for six years,\" said Gryphon Director of Athletics, Tom Kendall. \"She put everything that she had into fostering the program, but her expertise is required in management. Now, we have Tracey stepping up to the plate with a new enthusiasm and coaching ideas that will benefit our student-athletes. With Tracey's dedication and ambition, we are confident that the Gryphons will be contenders for the division title.\"
Murphy said that the Gryphons will round out a strong coaching staff in the near future.
