That Girl is on Niner Fire
Brenna Murray’s flame burned brightly on and off
the field for the 49ers women’s soccer team
By Phillip Brown
Brenna Murray ’23 knows firsthand the stressors student-athletes face. A member of the Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team before graduating in May, she understands the level of competition student-athletes contend with as they balance the pressure to perform on their teams as well as in the classroom.
Chucked into the game at age five by her parents, Murray fell in love with soccer’s competitiveness and being outdoors as part of a co-ed recreational league.
“Getting muddy was fun, which is probably why I gravitated toward playing goalie. It takes a certain kind of crazy to relish having soccer balls flying at your face at 35 miles per hour,” said Murray, who fielded scholarship offers from three other colleges before committing to Charlotte.
As a freshman, Murray attended a meeting of Charlotte’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, enticed by the promise of free pizza. She learned about its mission to promote positive relationships among student-athletes, teams, students, faculty, staff and all constituents of the University. “Giving to others is part of my DNA, so I connected with the committee’s goal to foster community service.”
At Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, her hometown, she helped found Pride Players as a support group for other student-athletes and band and dance team members, all who had “crazy” schedules. Through the organization, Murray and her fellow students completed a variety of community service projects.
NINER FIRE: A PEER APPROACH FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH
After joining the SAAC executive board in January 2020, Murray served as the first director of student-athlete wellness and concluded a second term as president in May 2023. During her service, she helped launch Niner Fire, a mental health support group for 49ers student-athletes.
“Athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform at a higher level, so a family environment in which to talk about issues we face, such as dealing with injuries, is tremendously beneficial.”
-Brenna Murray
Inspired by a similar program at Virginia Tech, Niner Fire is student-athlete managed. Participants are placed in “families” of six to 10 athletes from various sports and class standings. Each family includes a student-athlete leader trained to facilitate group discussions on topics related to athletics, such as stress management or dealing with injuries as well as broader mental health concerns associated with sex, drugs or alcohol. Sports psychologists and the University’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services review lesson plans and provide feedback on content and appropriateness.
“Athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform at a higher level, so a family environment in which to talk about issues we face, such as dealing with injuries, is tremendously beneficial,” said Murray.
From 12 individuals in 2020, the program has grown significantly; last year, 50 athletes participated in Niner Fire families — and SACC added Niner Fire bonfires, outreach and awareness events held off campus for prospective participants where attendees play games and make s’mores.
A LUMINOUS LEADER, ADVOCATE
Murray exemplifies the notion of all-in-Charlotte. Through her SAAC involvement, she has participated in Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, volunteered with campus and community cleanups and at First Harvest Food Bank and assisted with 5K relay races held on campus.
As a student leader, she interacted with her dean, the director of athletics and the chancellor as she advocated for her fellow student-athletes. She’s also developed skills in mentoring as she sought like-minded 49ers to join SAAC, while making “tons of lifelong friends.”
Her main takeaway, though, was developing the ability to care for others genuinely. “If you’re involved in an effort for the greater good versus just checking a box, it shows in your interactions with others. The connections you build with people are stronger, and the impact on the community is greater.”
LETTING SCHOOL SPIRIT SHINE
In fall 2022, Murray was a member of the Niner 9 (formerly the Homecoming Court), vying to be named the Golden Niner. In representing 49ers athletics, she wanted to share the message that student-athletes are involved in campus life beyond their individual teams.
“It was an opportunity to connect with students and fans, and let them know we appreciate their support,” said Murray, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in May 2023. “As athletes, we know we are viewed as a privileged population on campus, but we are truly invested in Charlotte, and we want to advocate for other groups on campus, too.”
Murray, this fall, is starting graduate studies in organizational leadership at Robert Morris University; she will be using her last year of athletic eligibility to play on its women’s soccer team.
“Connections you forge in college have lasting implications, and I think every Niner should be involved,” she said. “You don’t have to be a leader in every club, but do show up and participate. It makes for a richer experience.”
Phillip Brown is assistant director of strategic content for University Communications.
That Girl is on Niner Fire
Brenna Murray’s flame burned brightly on and off the field for the 49ers women’s soccer team.
By Phillip Brown
Brenna Murray ’23 knows firsthand the stressors student-athletes face. A member of the Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team before graduating in May, she understands the level of competition student-athletes contend with as they balance the pressure to perform on their teams as well as in the classroom.
Chucked into the game at age five by her parents, Murray fell in love with soccer’s competitiveness and being outdoors as part of a co-ed recreational league.
“Getting muddy was fun, which is probably why I gravitated toward playing goalie. It takes a certain kind of crazy to relish having soccer balls flying at your face at 35 miles per hour,” said Murray, who fielded scholarship offers from three other colleges before committing to Charlotte.
As a freshman, Murray attended a meeting of Charlotte’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, enticed by the promise of free pizza. She learned about its mission to promote positive relationships among student-athletes, teams, students, faculty, staff and all constituents of the University. “Giving to others is part of my DNA, so I connected with the committee’s goal to foster community service.”
At Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, her hometown, she helped found Pride Players as a support group for other student-athletes and band and dance team members, all who had “crazy” schedules. Through the organization, Murray and her fellow students completed a variety of community service projects.
NINER FIRE: A PEER APPROACH FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH
After joining the SAAC executive board in January 2020, Murray served as the first director of student-athlete wellness and concluded a second term as president in May 2023. During her service, she helped launch Niner Fire, a mental health support group for 49ers student-athletes.
“Athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform at a higher level, so a family environment in which to talk about issues we face, such as dealing with injuries, is tremendously beneficial.”
-Brenna Murray
Inspired by a similar program at Virginia Tech, Niner Fire is student-athlete managed. Participants are placed in “families” of six to 10 athletes from various sports and class standings. Each family includes a student-athlete leader trained to facilitate group discussions on topics related to athletics, such as stress management or dealing with injuries as well as broader mental health concerns associated with sex, drugs or alcohol. Sports psychologists and the University’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services review lesson plans and provide feedback on content and appropriateness.
“Athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform at a higher level, so a family environment in which to talk about issues we face, such as dealing with injuries, is tremendously beneficial,” said Murray.
From 12 individuals in 2020, the program has grown significantly; last year, 50 athletes participated in Niner Fire families — and SACC added Niner Fire bonfires, outreach and awareness events held off campus for prospective participants where attendees play games and make s’mores.
A LUMINOUS LEADER, ADVOCATE
Murray exemplifies the notion of all-in-Charlotte. Through her SAAC involvement, she has participated in Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, volunteered with campus and community cleanups and at First Harvest Food Bank and assisted with 5K relay races held on campus.
As a student leader, she interacted with her dean, the director of athletics and the chancellor as she advocated for her fellow student-athletes. She’s also developed skills in mentoring as she sought like-minded 49ers to join SAAC, while making “tons of lifelong friends.”
Her main takeaway, though, was developing the ability to care for others genuinely. “If you’re involved in an effort for the greater good versus just checking a box, it shows in your interactions with others. The connections you build with people are stronger, and the impact on the community is greater.”
LETTING SCHOOL SPIRIT SHINE
In fall 2022, Murray was a member of the Niner 9 (formerly the Homecoming Court), vying to be named the Golden Niner. In representing 49ers athletics, she wanted to share the message that student-athletes are involved in campus life beyond their individual teams.
“It was an opportunity to connect with students and fans, and let them know we appreciate their support,” said Murray, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in May 2023. “As athletes, we know we are viewed as a privileged population on campus, but we are truly invested in Charlotte, and we want to advocate for other groups on campus, too.”
Murray, this fall, is starting graduate studies in organizational leadership at Robert Morris University; she will be using her last year of athletic eligibility to play on its women’s soccer team.
“Connections you forge in college have lasting implications, and I think every Niner should be involved,” she said. “You don’t have to be a leader in every club, but do show up and participate. It makes for a richer experience.”
Phillip Brown is assistant director of strategic content for University Communications.
