Bio

Originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, Nicole Murphy brings extensive experience as both an athlete and a coach, along with a strong passion for developing student-athletes on and off the court.

Murphy graduated from Columbia College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art. She also holds a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from William Woods University and a K–12 Art teaching certification from Central Methodist University.

Her connection to volleyball began early. Murphy started playing in the fifth grade at Trinity Lutheran School. Although she competed in multiple sports growing up such as basketball, soccer, track, and softball but volleyball quickly became the sport that stood out.

 “Volleyball was the one that stuck with me on a different level. I felt connected to the sport.”

Playing multiple sports helped shape her athletic mindset and continues to influence her coaching approach. The experience gave her a greater appreciation for the unique demands of each sport and the different ways athletes develop through competition.

Murphy’s decision to pursue coaching came shortly after her college playing career ended. At the time, she had the opportunity to either become a graduate assistant or play volleyball overseas. Inspired by the impact of her college coach at Columbia College, she chose the coaching path.

“I really admired what my college coach was able to do with our team and her career, and I wanted to strive to accomplish what she had.”

She began coaching club volleyball in 2009 while still in college and now brings 16 years of coaching experience to Missouri Valley.

As a collegiate athlete at Columbia College, Murphy was part of three AMC championship teams and helped the program reach four NAIA National Tournament appearances, including two trips to the national semifinals. She was named to the AMC All-Conference First Team during her senior season.

Murphy spent three seasons as head coach at Fulton High School, where she led a major turnaround. The 2023 season ended with the program’s first district and conference championships in eight years. Her coaching experience also includes collegiate assistant positions at Avila University and Iowa Lakes Community College. At the high school level, she previously guided Calvary Lutheran High School to its first state tournament appearance and helped Rock Bridge High School earn its first district title. She also brings extensive club coaching experience across the Midwest, including work with Southwind Volleyball Club, CMVBC, 417 Columbia, and Alpha Omega Volleyball Club.

What Murphy enjoys most about coaching is building relationships with her athletes and watching them grow beyond volleyball. She emphasizes accountability as the foundation of her program.

“Not everyone is going to play professionally, so we need to take what we learn in volleyball and apply it to life.”

 She believes the sport teaches responsibility, communication, reliability, leadership and skills that prepare athletes to become successful professionals, parents, and community members.

Her coaching philosophy has evolved throughout her career. Early on, her focus centered on wins and losses. While competition remains important, her perspective has shifted.

“We are not just coaching wins and losses, we are coaching kids to become adults.”

Murphy now emphasizes connection, understanding each athlete’s needs, and adapting her role as a mentor, motivator, counselor, or when necessary, a firm voice of accountability.

For Murphy, the true measure of success is growth.

“What are these athletes taking away from me and their time at Missouri Valley, are they growing and if they are that means I have been successful with coaching them and they have been successful with Valley.” 

Building strong relationships allows her to adapt her coaching style to different personalities and learning styles, helping each athlete reach their full potential.

One of the biggest challenges at the collegiate level is managing a roster filled with talented players while knowing that only a limited number can compete at one time.

“These kids are all my children essentially and I see so much talent in every kid I recruit, but 6 maybe 7 or 8 kids get in a game and it breaks my heart when I know I have so much talent and I only get so many roster spots.”

With a combination of championship experience, program-building success, and a strong focus on personal development, Murphy is committed to build a culture at Missouri Valley that develops not only strong volleyball players, but confident, accountable young women prepared for life beyond the game.