Q&A: The Murphys

Kirk is the coach of the 12U Purple Wave while his daughter Kylie pitches for the team. They took third place at state two weeks ago.

How did you get started with softball?

Kylie:  Four years ago, I brought the sign up sheet home and told my parents “I want to play softball.”

Kirk:  Kylie came home when she was in third grade with a sign up sheet for softball and said she wanted to play so we signed her up.  Her first coach was Dean Davis and he was gracious enough to let me help a little bit. I learned a lot about the game and Kylie made the ASA team that year and I got to help with that team also. 

We both really enjoyed it and have been playing and coaching ever since.

What is your favorite part about the sport?

Kylie:  When I strike out a good batter.

Kirk:  I really love seeing the girls improve and get better each week.

It’s great to see girls making plays later in the season that they couldn’t have made early in the season.

What is the toughest part about the sport?

Kylie:  Losing those really close games.

Kirk:  I’d have to agree with Kylie, losing those one-run games is tough.

What do you think about having your dad coaching/daughter pitching for your team this year?

Kylie: I like it because he’s always there to help and support me, even in the offseason.

Kirk: I think I get more nervous than she does before a game.  She works hard at it and I’m very proud of the time and effort she puts into pitching.

What did you think about the team as a whole this year?

Kylie:  I thought our team was a great group of girls who all worked hard and played hard.

Kirk:  I thought we had a team that improved every week, they worked hard and competed and had a great season. These girls never gave up, stayed positive and came to play every tournament.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Kylie:  Cat Osterman because she is an amazing softball pitcher and competitor.

Kirk: Howie Long.  He worked extremely hard, was a great athlete and truly represented what Raider football was all about, just plain tough.

Outside of softball, what are you favorite things to do?

Kylie:  Playing basketball, volleyball, hanging out with friends and going to the lake.

Kirk:  Love to hunt and spend as much time outdoors as I can.