After a remarkable season on the UC Santa Barbara women’s water polo team, freshman Samantha Murphy earned the Big West Freshman of the Year award.
Murphy was named Big West Freshman of the Year after an incredible first season as a Gaucho. In last weekend’s Big West tournament, the freshman led the team with seven goals in three games to help the Gauchos earn sixth place.
“Sam Murphy impressed from the moment she arrived on campus, not only in the pool, but in the classroom as well,” head coach Cathy Neushul said. “Her athletic talent aside, it is Sam’s unwavering work ethic and commitment as a true student of the game which set her apart from her peers. We could not be more pleased to have Sam representing the Gauchos.”
Murphy not only benefited the Gauchos in the Big West tournament, but she also had a stellar season in accumulating 78 goals and 43 assists. Samantha Murphy was the only freshman in the Big West conference to receive player of the week during the season and was also selected to the Big West All-Conference Second Team.
“With women like her leading the way, the future is very bright for UCSB Women’s Water Polo” Neushul said.
UC Santa Barbara ended its season with a 20-15, 2-5 overall record and earned sixth place in the Big West Conference tournament.
