MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE WOMEN’S WRESTLING HEAD COACH CARL MURPHREE ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT
After nearly 20 seasons of leading the women’s wrestling program at Missouri Valley College, Head Coach Carl Murphree announces his retirement from the position.
Murphree came to Missouri Valley prior to the 2002-03 women’s wrestling season, and guided the program to much success. Missouri Valley won National titles under Murphree in 2004 and 2005, and he was named the 2005 WCWA Coach of the Year.
During his nearly 20 seasons, Murphree coached 81 All-Americans and 11 individual National champions. Two MVC alumni coached by Murphree have also competed at the Olympic level. Maria Dunn represented Guam at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and Jacarra Winchester represented the United States at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to coach at Valley, they have always been supportive of women’s wrestling and have been an integral part of the growth of women’s wrestling on the collegiate level,” said Murphree. “I have met so many great people in my years at Valley; faculty, staff, and students. I will always cherish my years at Valley and the many relationships that I have been fortunate to have developed.
Murphree’s impact on women’s wrestling stretches beyond Missouri Valley. He was instrumental in establishing high school girls wrestling in California, and hosted the first NHSF sanctioned tournament in the United States with the Napa Valley Girls Classic. Murphree was inducted into the California Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006. He has played a large role in women’s wrestling being recognized by the NAIA, and guiding the sport to full championship status with the 2022-23 season.
“We would like to thank Carl for his 19 years of service and dedication to Missouri Valley,” said MVC Athletic Director Tom Fifer. “He put forth effort to not only have a successful women’s wrestling program, but also contributed to the success of the entire Missouri Valley campus. Carl has played a major role in building the sport of women’s wrestling at Missouri Valley College, in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and in the NAIA. Congratulations, Carl, on your retirement, and we wish you the best of luck!”
A search for Murphree’s replacement as head coach for the women’s wrestling programs is underway, and an announcement will be made in the coming days.