Murrey Named Head Tennis Coach

MOORHEAD, Minn. (5/24/16)--- Joseph Murrey has been named the new head coach for the Concordia men's and women's tennis programs. Interim Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced the hiring on Wednesday.   

Murrey, who was the assistant coach for both the men's and women's programs in 2016, takes over for Steven Futchko who resigned from the position earlier in the spring.

"Joseph's enthusiasm, background in tennis and familiarity with the current student/athletes made him the top choice for the position," commented Bergeson. "Having Joseph involved with the program this year will bring a level of continuity which will help the returning players and his involvement in recruiting over the course of the winter will help in attracting new student/athletes to the college."

Murrey, who is originally from Nashville, Tenn., has been in the Fargo-Moorhead area since 2012. He was hired as the men's and women's assistant coach at Concordia before the 2016 season and was responsible for on-court coaching as well as administrative duties.

Before moving to the Fargo-Moorhead area, Murrey lived in Toccoa Falls, Ga. where he was a private tennis coach. Murrey served as a private tennis coach for five years before moving to Minnesota.

"I have been coaching tennis since I was 15-years-old," Murrey said. "I have coached players of all abilities and am passionate about getting student/athletes to reach their peak performance level."

Murrey was a three-time Most Valuable Player at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville and was undefeated in the regular season in his senior year of high school. Murrey attended Toccoa Falls College in Georgia where he graduated with honors with a degree in Cultural Studies in 2010.

In addition to working as a private tennis coach, Murrey has also served as an instructor at several tennis camps in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.        

Murrey cites his experience as the men's and women's assistant coach in 2016 as the main reason he wanted to take the next step up the coaching ladder.

"I really enjoyed seeing the athletes grow as players and individuals throughout the season," Murrey said. "I am excited about the type of athlete that attends Concordia and want to carry out the mission of the college through the tennis programs."

Joseph lives in Moorhead with his wife Katie and is currently employed by Unishippers. The couple moved from Georgia to help start a church in West Fargo.  

"I am looking forward to building a strong tennis program that can compete in the MIAC," added Murrey. "The experience I gained this year along with the returning players and several new recruits coming in this fall has me excited for the upcoming season."