This year, SHS is fortunate to have Nataly Murray back as an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team. After several years away, she returned to help guide the team. However, being back on the sidelines isn’t without a mix of emotions.
“It’s bittersweet,” Coach Murray said when asked about her return to coaching. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch these girls grow up, and now, they’re older. But I’m grateful to still be part of this journey with them.”
Many of the players on the team were part of the SASA basketball program that Coach Murray coached years ago. She said it’s like a full-circle moment for her.
One of the most special things about this season is that Coach Murray is now coaching her own daughter, Graycie.
“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to coach Graycie and her friends,” she said. “Since she was little, I’ve always wanted to be here, coaching her in high school. It’s a dream come true.”
Even though the team is facing some challenges this season with a younger roster, Coach Murray remains positive.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” she said. “But I’m really excited about how we’re growing as a team. The record might not show it yet, but I’ve seen so much improvement in the last few games. I think people will start to see the difference soon.”
Despite the team’s ups and downs, Coach Murray remains optimistic. She said she believes the team is slowly starting to come together and that, with time, their hard work will pay off.
“It’s exactly how we envisioned it to go,” she said. “It’s tough, especially on the juniors, but I hope the girls can see the bigger picture and the progress we’re making.”
As someone who played for SHS in the past, Coach Murray is still proud to hold some of the school’s records.
“Honestly, I didn’t even know they existed when I played,” she said. “But records are meant to be broken. I’d love to see someone beat them. What I really want is for the team to focus on team records. I think that’s what will help us grow as a group.”
When asked about her favorite pre-game ritual from her own playing days, Coach Murray reminisced about the loud and spirited locker room traditions.
“We were really old school,” she said. “We would bang on the lockers before the game to try to get the other team’s attention. We’d all sing ‘We Will Rock You’ so loud, trying to outdo the other team. It was a battle of who could get the loudest.”
Outside of school, Coach Murray is known for her strong school spirit.
“Being from Stillwater, a lot of people associate me with the basketball program,” she said. “It’s something I’m proud of, and I love talking about the girls and our community whenever I get the chance.”
But when asked about her biggest accomplishment, Coach Murray didn’t hesitate.
“My family,” she said. “Having four kids and being their mom is the biggest accomplishment of my life. I try to teach them to be kind and loving, and I hope they grow up to be good people.”
In tough moments when the team is down, Coach Murray knows exactly how to lift their spirits.
“I just try to remind them that it’s not the end of the world,” she said. “There’s always another play, another game. Every player has a role, and we all need to work together to win. I want them to know they’re loved no matter what.”
Coach Murray’s return to coaching wasn’t just about the game.
“I’ve always envisioned coaching Graycie and her friends,” she said. “Even though I thought I’d be out of the picture once they reached high school, I couldn’t resist being part of their journey. I love being able to help them navigate high school sports and just enjoy it together.”
As the season continues, Coach Murray said she is committed not only to developing the team’s skills but also to helping each player grow as an individual. With her leadership, the girls’ basketball team at Stillwater High has a strong, positive role model to guide them both on and off the court.
