Moraine Valley has produced many successful student-athletes who have gone on to do great things across the world in and out of athletics. This is a special series to highlight those alumni.

Jen Murphy, nee Howe, never considered playing college basketball. She played recreational ball before attending Moraine Valley, where she ultimately became team captain and was led on a path to a successful career in nursing.

At Sandburg High School, Murphy never made the basketball team and instead played recreation ball in the Orland Youth Association league. She attended Moraine Valley from 2002 to 2004 with the goal of getting into the medical field. She happened to meet a Cyclone basketball player in anatomy class who encouraged her to try out for the team. Women's basketball Head Coach Delwyn Jones was always on the lookout for athletic and tall players (Murphy is 5-9) and brought her on board.

"Delwyn gave me a chance and went out on a limb for me. I had the work ethic and learned from the team and him. I worked at it. It made me love sports even more," she said.

Murphy put in the effort and became team captain her sophomore year, helping the Cyclones earn an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship. But what she recalls most is how just playing the game was made fun. Between the singing stylistics of Coach Jones, team bonding activities, study sessions, games and events, the athletes became a solid unit. Jones even created and named a team award after her that he still doles out at the end of every season – the Howe Award, most improved player.

"The whole program at Moraine Valley just made sure you achieved and pushed academics," Murphy said. "Delwyn always said your studies are No. 1. So, I kept my eye on that, not just on the court. He's a mentor and huge influence."

After Moraine Valley, Murphy attended Clarke University, where she continued playing basketball. She competed in the 2004-05 season, tore her ACL the following season and was out, but made a return for her final year. She studied nursing and earned her degree as well. Then she became an assistant coach for Jones from 2007 to 2009, during which the team earned several more conference championships.

Murphy has been a nurse for 13 years. She worked in surgical trauma for a time and was an assistant manager in a hospital unit for four years but is now in the post-anesthesia care unit at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. The fast-paced environment brings about something new every day, but she isn't fazed thanks to her experiences playing college ball.

"When I was in college juggling sports, time management and prioritizing it all, I learned a lot. That experience plays a role every day at the hospital," she said.

She attributes much of her success to the positive influences she had at Moraine Valley – Geoff Davis, athletic trainer; Bill Finn, athletic director; and Jones. Those role models, a focus on academics and just playing basketball influenced the person she is today.

"If I didn't play ball, I would've had a different path. Playing at Moraine Valley led me to play basketball at another college, which helped me find my major. I got to meet so many people and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse," Murphy explained.

Although work keeps her busy, she tries to stay active and take leadership roles where possible. She even has coached two of her three children in a local basketball league, passing on her love of the game.

If you want to share your Moraine Valley Athletics alumni experience, email Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.