LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ashley Murphy was nominated by a colleague, Elizabeth Swoopes.

"There are times when you cross paths with a unique individual, and those times must be celebrated," said Swoopes. "I am nominating Ashley Murphy for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Coach Murphy, or Mama Murphy as she is known to some of her kids, is one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She has worked at Whitewright Independent School District for five years as an elementary physical education teacher, high school coach, and girls' athletic coordinator. If you have ever been around elementary kids, you understand the patience and fortitude it takes to manage them. They must be in the classroom most of the day, and PE is their time to cut loose."

"Coach Murphy has managed to navigate that thin line of organized chaos," said Swoopes. "The kids love her because she exhibits tough love. She holds them accountable while being able to have fun and be silly with them. You see the love and respect that the kids have for her even after they leave elementary. She'll walk down the hall at the middle school, and the kids are eager to get a hug or say hi. It is the same case at grocery stores or local restaurants."

"Not only is Coach Murphy able to navigate the littles, but she transitions to high school girls at the end of the day," said Swoopes. "She can relate to these young ladies on their level while holding them to a high standard academically and athletically. She is open and honest with the girls, and they see that they have an advocate in her. I've known her to feed students, comfort students, and listen when students need to vent. She is very supportive of all of our students. You will see her at peewee games, band competitions, and plays. She is a true example of what an educator should be - a person invested in the community. So, for all these reasons, and many more, I nominate Ashley Murphy for LifeChanger of the Year."