Every year I think one of the statewide basketball awards that does not get enough attention is the Donna L.J. Murphy Award given to the female senior basketball player in Kentucky who exemplifies the meaning of being a great student-athlete.
Maybe I am a bit biased because when I started by sportswriting career over 40 years ago Murphy was the first exceptional female high school basketball player I saw play. She was named Kentucky’s Miss Basketball — an easy choice — her senior year at Newport in 1976 when she averaged 35 points and 20 rebounds per game. She truly was a woman playing with girls. She was also MVP of the 1975 state tourney when she had 67 points and 50 rebounds in two dominating performances.
If that wasn’t enough, she was also Class AA state high school champion and an All-Region volleyball player. She graduated fifth in her class and graduated magna cum laude.
That’s why nominations for this award highlight so many gifted student-athletes and for Sofia Allen of Scott High School to be named the winner tells me just how special she is on and off the court.
“The decision keeps getting harder every year. This year all of the nominees were very admirable but Sofia is a stand out player and person on and off the court and she definitely deserves to be recognized,” Donna Murphy said.
So what set Allen apart from others? She played basketball six years, scored over 1,000 points and has a 3.9 GPA. She has leadership roles in the National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society.
What I really like is that she has also participated in tennis, volleyball and track — something Murphy thought was important for students to do rather than be a one-sport athlete.
Allen will attend the University of Tampa on an academic scholarship.
“The game of basketball has taught me important life skills such as time management, leadership, communication, good work ethic, discipline, etc. Time management is essential. Basketball takes up a considerable amount of time, so organizing my time is important to me,” Allen said in the release announcing the award winner. “Basketball has taught me how to prioritize my day. I have a daily schedule that includes practice, games, homework and school time. In the future, this will be an asset in any job or business.
“Leadership is also important, not only from coaches but from players as well. Leading well will produce great results in a team whether on the court or off, in a business situation or a family situation. I have learned a lot from my coaches on how to lead by being tough, but also showing compassion. Being able to communicate is a great life skill.”
Murphy is still a great communicator and role model. She was the first female athlete to have her jersey retired at Morehead and is in 11 Hall of Fames. She played professional basketball before becoming a coach at various levels.
Murphy is currently a Professor and Counselor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College and oversees the Diversity Outreach Services and Intramural Sports.
That’s why I think anyone winning an award with Murphy’s name on it has to be special.
