SE: Sadie Murren Excited to Leverage Own Experiences as K-State WBB Director of Student-Athlete Development
Jul 01, 2019 | Women's Basketball, Sports Extra
By Corbin McGuire
Sadie Murren understands the student-athlete experience well because she lived it. She knows the opportunities and challenges it can bring because she experienced them.
Now, as K-State women's basketball's new director of student-athlete development, Murren looks to leverage her time as a student-athlete to help give the Wildcats in the program, and those still to come, the best experience possible.
"I think since I'm not far removed from my playing career, I know the ins and outs, the ups and downs that come with being a student-athlete," Murren said. "So, knowing when those trigger points happen, like when it's finals time and people are stressed or that lull in January and February when the drain of the season hits upon them, having that experience, I think, will help me prepare them better for those situations."
A Colon, Nebraska native, Murren started her basketball career at the University of Nebraska. Her freshman year (2012-13), she suffered a back injury that sidelined her for a good chunk of the season.
This time tied to the bench and seeing the game from another vantage point did two things for Murren.
"That was kind of when it hit me," she said. "Ever since then, I've loved it. I want to be in this profession for a long time. I enjoy being around a team atmosphere. I think that's what I love most, just being part of a team working toward a common goal."
The injury also provided her with lessons she could use in the profession. As did the move Murren made after her sophomore season with the Huskers, when she transferred to Wayne State to finish out her career.
"I know from that experience how hard it is to adjust to a new system, how hard it is to adjust to a new college, and I think with the transfers and freshmen I can help in that regard," Murren said. "I can help them adjust to that, tell them it's a process, because it is. It's a growing process. You can't learn it right away. It'll take time, even if you're transferring in as a junior.
"Also, the adjustment of knowing this school. Where do I get a parking pass? Where do I go for academics? Where do I go for tutoring? I'll be trying to map out areas on campus and locating things that'll help them in that regard."
Murren also has the benefit of not being completely new to K-State's program. Last season, she served as the program's director of basketball administration, which allowed her to build strong relationships with the players and coaching staff.
"When I first got here, I think that was one of the main things is making sure I know all the players and what their ticks are. Now, I get to spend more one-on-one time with them and I think that's what I'm most excited about," she said. "Before, I kind of provided their needs: Their food, their meals, hotels, etc. But now I get to help them on a deeper level, talk about their wants and needs in life, their goals and aspirations. I think that's going to be really fun to dig deeper into the relationship with each of the student-athletes."
When Murren thinks of the rewarding moments she's looking forward to in her new role, her mind immediately flashed to being in Bramlage Coliseum. Not for a game, however.
"About a month ago I went to graduation and I watched (Kali Jones walk). I heard her name announced and got tears in my eyes. I think that's the most rewarding, just seeing them grow, prosper and graduate from college. It, legit, was just so moving for me. I was so happy seeing the smile on her face. That's the most rewarding aspect, seeing them grow up and become adults.
"I'm looking forward to just impacting student-athletes on a more personal level, helping them prepare for life after college and just making sure their time while they're at college is enjoyable. I think so many times people focus so much on basketball, basketball, basketball, and then they kind of get left in the dust with the academic part of it, the relationship part of it, the professional growth part of it. I think expanding in that role and helping each individual to succeed in that area is what I'm really excited about."
Which is not to say Murren, who coached and recruited at Omaha before coming to K-State, will be completely separated from the basketball side of things.
Her new role will also include some recruiting duties, from evaluating prospects to helping with visits and even assisting with international recruiting. Additionally, she said she will be at every practice to observe and evaluate, adding to a long list of reasons she said she's excited for the new job and thankful to be working for head coach Jeff Mittie.
"He's taught me so much, and I don't think he knows this, but I just study what he does a lot and how he reacts to certain situations and how he talks and presents opportunities. I've learned so much. That's what I love most. I'm learning, I'm growing," she said. "I think getting more of that basketball mind back is going to be fun because I had that coaching experience at Omaha. I love the game. I've played the game. To be back, not on the court but by the court, is going to be a lot of fun, to study the game again and something I love."
Sadie Murren understands the student-athlete experience well because she lived it. She knows the opportunities and challenges it can bring because she experienced them.
Now, as K-State women's basketball's new director of student-athlete development, Murren looks to leverage her time as a student-athlete to help give the Wildcats in the program, and those still to come, the best experience possible.
"I think since I'm not far removed from my playing career, I know the ins and outs, the ups and downs that come with being a student-athlete," Murren said. "So, knowing when those trigger points happen, like when it's finals time and people are stressed or that lull in January and February when the drain of the season hits upon them, having that experience, I think, will help me prepare them better for those situations."
A Colon, Nebraska native, Murren started her basketball career at the University of Nebraska. Her freshman year (2012-13), she suffered a back injury that sidelined her for a good chunk of the season.
This time tied to the bench and seeing the game from another vantage point did two things for Murren.
"That was kind of when it hit me," she said. "Ever since then, I've loved it. I want to be in this profession for a long time. I enjoy being around a team atmosphere. I think that's what I love most, just being part of a team working toward a common goal."
The injury also provided her with lessons she could use in the profession. As did the move Murren made after her sophomore season with the Huskers, when she transferred to Wayne State to finish out her career.
"I know from that experience how hard it is to adjust to a new system, how hard it is to adjust to a new college, and I think with the transfers and freshmen I can help in that regard," Murren said. "I can help them adjust to that, tell them it's a process, because it is. It's a growing process. You can't learn it right away. It'll take time, even if you're transferring in as a junior.
"Also, the adjustment of knowing this school. Where do I get a parking pass? Where do I go for academics? Where do I go for tutoring? I'll be trying to map out areas on campus and locating things that'll help them in that regard."
Murren also has the benefit of not being completely new to K-State's program. Last season, she served as the program's director of basketball administration, which allowed her to build strong relationships with the players and coaching staff.
"When I first got here, I think that was one of the main things is making sure I know all the players and what their ticks are. Now, I get to spend more one-on-one time with them and I think that's what I'm most excited about," she said. "Before, I kind of provided their needs: Their food, their meals, hotels, etc. But now I get to help them on a deeper level, talk about their wants and needs in life, their goals and aspirations. I think that's going to be really fun to dig deeper into the relationship with each of the student-athletes."
When Murren thinks of the rewarding moments she's looking forward to in her new role, her mind immediately flashed to being in Bramlage Coliseum. Not for a game, however.
"About a month ago I went to graduation and I watched (Kali Jones walk). I heard her name announced and got tears in my eyes. I think that's the most rewarding, just seeing them grow, prosper and graduate from college. It, legit, was just so moving for me. I was so happy seeing the smile on her face. That's the most rewarding aspect, seeing them grow up and become adults.
"I'm looking forward to just impacting student-athletes on a more personal level, helping them prepare for life after college and just making sure their time while they're at college is enjoyable. I think so many times people focus so much on basketball, basketball, basketball, and then they kind of get left in the dust with the academic part of it, the relationship part of it, the professional growth part of it. I think expanding in that role and helping each individual to succeed in that area is what I'm really excited about."
Which is not to say Murren, who coached and recruited at Omaha before coming to K-State, will be completely separated from the basketball side of things.
Her new role will also include some recruiting duties, from evaluating prospects to helping with visits and even assisting with international recruiting. Additionally, she said she will be at every practice to observe and evaluate, adding to a long list of reasons she said she's excited for the new job and thankful to be working for head coach Jeff Mittie.
"He's taught me so much, and I don't think he knows this, but I just study what he does a lot and how he reacts to certain situations and how he talks and presents opportunities. I've learned so much. That's what I love most. I'm learning, I'm growing," she said. "I think getting more of that basketball mind back is going to be fun because I had that coaching experience at Omaha. I love the game. I've played the game. To be back, not on the court but by the court, is going to be a lot of fun, to study the game again and something I love."
Players Mentioned
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