Sue Murphy, the head coach of Stetson University’s women’s lacrosse team, is far more than a decorated collegiate coach—she is a transformative leader whose legacy is built on empowering student-athletes to compete fiercely on the field while becoming compassionate changemakers outside the lines.
With a career head coaching record of 151-142 (.515), Murphy has consistently produced winning programs. She has led teams to eight or more wins in a season nine times, coached in top-10 national rankings, and earned four conference Coach of the Year honors—twice in the America East and twice in the Atlantic 10. But her greatest accomplishment might not be measured in wins and losses, but in the lives she’s touched and the values she instills in her players.
Murphy’s journey began at Boston University, where she guided the Terriers to 55 wins over six seasons and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Her 1999 team posted 15 victories, and the 2000 squad was ranked as high as 11th nationally. In 2001, Boston climbed to No. 6 in the country. Twenty-one players earned all-conference honors under her leadership—a testament to her ability to elevate individual athletes within a team-first culture.
At the University of Richmond, Murphy’s impact continued to grow. Over eight seasons, she led the Spiders to 76 wins, three A-10 regular season championships (2006–2008), and three A-10 tournament titles (2005–2007). Her teams reached as high as No. 9 in national rankings and she developed 30 all-conference athletes, including seven A-10 Player of the Year recipients.
Murphy’s influence has extended beyond the collegiate level, having served as head coach of the U.S. Developmental Team from 2001 to 2006. During that time, she helped shape the next generation of elite athletes, fostering both competitive excellence and character.
After stepping away from college coaching, she returned to the sidelines in 2024 at Pfeiffer University, where she quickly made an impact—leading the Falcons to seven victories in a single season. But it was more than just a successful return. It marked a deeper commitment to purpose-driven leadership.
Now at Stetson, Murphy has fully embraced the NED (No Evidence of Disease) program, making it a cornerstone of her team’s identity. In a groundbreaking move, she led Stetson to become the first collegiate program in the country where every player became a NEDvocate. Through this initiative, her team is helping to raise awareness and support for individuals and families battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
