Murphy is in his 5th season at UC Davis and his 11th year as a support staff professional.

As a young pup, he began his career at Santa Rosa Junior College in 2013, learning a high level of emotional intelligence by developing key relationships with the women’s soccer team; he was a friendly outlet for stress and offered comfort to injured players who were unable to participate in training and games. It was here that he learned basic commands and an uncanny ability to get whatever he wants.

After a three year stint at SRJC, Murphy joined the San Francisco State women’s soccer program and quickly made new friends with his calm and approachable nature and his ever-wagging tail. Murphy was a stalwart presence on the sideline, offering student athletes and coaches companionship and comfort. He made his mark on the program when he joined in team celebrations, post game handshakes, and winning every Halloween costume contest. SFSU players encouraged his begging, by secretly hiding treats in their bags with hopes of being “Murphy’s favorite.” While at SF State, he also joined the St. Ignatius Prep varsity high school team, donning personalized winter gear while cheering for the Wildcats in the rain to their first WCAL championship in 10 years.

As an aged veteran, Murphy followed Coach Hamm to UC Davis in 2019 and was officially promoted to the Emotional Support Staff. He attends practice daily and all home contests. While he is normally disinterested and naps in the shade, he does continue to greet each player, coach and guest and offer comfort to those unable to participate. He attends all film sessions, demanding attention and laying at the feet of players while hogging the fan. From his plush bed, he is a regular security guard in the athletic offices and a stalwart on recruiting visits - he self proclaims that he is “the closer.”

Outside of soccer, Murphy loves to swim, hike, chase the large population of squirrels on campus, and to spend time with his team. He is terrified of wind, vacuums and believes that delivery drivers are extremely dangerous. He prefers to drink water from fountains or have someone pour it directly in his mouth from a bottle. He loves his pack and looks forward to many more years on staff.