After a successful 16-year tenure with the Texas women’s golf program, head coach Ryan Murphy announced his resignation on Friday. Murphy, who served as an assistant coach for six seasons before taking on the head coaching role, led the Longhorns to unprecedented success in the Big 12 conference. Under his leadership, Texas claimed seven conference titles since 2017, marking their best stretch in conference play since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In a statement, Murphy expressed his gratitude to the University of Texas and the athletic department for the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program. He reflected on his 16 years with the team, citing the many talented young athletes he had the privilege of coaching and the exceptional staff members he worked alongside. Despite stepping down, Murphy stated that he believes the program is in a great place and looks forward to supporting the players he has coached in the future.
During the most recent season, Texas finished 11th at the NCAA Championship, marking the seventh consecutive year that the Longhorns had placed in the top 15 at the national tournament. The team’s success was further highlighted by freshman Farah O’Keefe, who earned Big 12 player of the year and freshman of the year honors. O’Keefe, a standout player from Austin, also secured a spot on the Division I all-freshman team recognized by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.
In addition to O’Keefe’s accolades, Murphy was named Big 12 coach of the year in recognition of his outstanding leadership and guidance of the Longhorns. Three freshmen, including Lauren Kim and Selina Liao, were also named to the All-Big 12 team for their contributions to Texas’ conference championship-winning season. The recognition of these talented players further solidifies the program’s strong position within the Big 12 and on the national stage.
Murphy’s tenure as head coach has left a lasting impact on the Texas women’s golf program, with a legacy of success and a commitment to developing young athletes. His decision to step down comes at a time of transition for the team, as they look to build upon their recent achievements and continue competing at the highest level. The search for a new head coach will undoubtedly be a crucial process for the Longhorns as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the Big 12 conference and beyond.
As the Texas women’s golf program enters a new chapter, the legacy of Ryan Murphy’s tenure will serve as a guiding force for the team’s future success. With a strong foundation of conference titles, NCAA Championship appearances, and individual accolades, the Longhorns are well-positioned to continue their winning tradition under new leadership. The recruitment of talented young players and the development of a competitive roster will be key priorities for the program moving forward, as they seek to build on Murphy’s legacy and write the next chapter in Texas women’s golf history.
