If you’re a Trailblazer soccer fan, then you’ve fallen victim to this seasons high raging success. Especially with women’s soccer starting with forward Darian Murdock, a senior nursing major from Herriman, and her record breaking season.
Murdock comes off as reigning Pacwest Player of the Year for the 2016-2017 season. This fall season she has also been honored with Women’s Soccer Player of the Week three times.
“Darian is an awesome co-captain; she has a great work ethic and she is very talented and there is no else I would rather be my co-captain,” said teammate Montana Hadley, a senior accounting major from Bountiful.
In her senior year Murdock has had three separate hat tricks — when a single player scores three goals in one match — so far this season, four within her entire career. Murdock has had seven game winning goals breaking the school record.
“Darian has progressed tremendously over the years,” said head coach Kacey Bingham. “She’s had to make adjustments to become the player she is now...she’s improved her touch, her shot, her knowledge, and her confidence. She has always been one of my hardest working players.”
Murdock was able to break another school record by scoring her 17th goal of the season during the game against Point Loma Nazarene University Oct. 21 — the most goals scored in season for DSU history.
Knowing that all her teammates are looking at her success, Murdock strives to score goals for her team and help them win. She says they shouldn’t be intimidated and should turn toward each other for guidance.
Murdock’s soccer career began at a young age with her family, making the sport that much more valuable for her. Murdock’s dad also played soccer, and that’s part of the reason she likes to participate in soccer.
“I got into soccer because one it is family oriented,” said Murdock. “We all played sports, my parents, older brother and twin sister. Soccer runs in the family I suppose. And two, I love[d] the competitive nature of soccer. Having a goal to work towards and a support system to help me get there. “
Murdock started playing soccer when she was four years old with her twin sister and just stuck with it has played ever since. Murdock will miss the 40 great friends that she has made because of the team. Murdock is a senior and serves as a co-captain and this will be her last year playing for Dixie.
Her fierceness comes from her love for soccer and the love for the game. She knows that as forward it is her job to score goals and be successful as team.
“As a freshman I worked hard and it has shown the past 4 years,” said Murdock. “I don't know what my plans are after graduation for soccer, but I will continue to play and maybe coach one day. But right now it's the team job to get close to a title.”
Murdock knows that to get ahead in this game and make the most out of everyday, you have to make sacrifices, especially as a student athlete.
“Being in the nursing program has been hard; you have to put in a few extra hours and learn how to prioritize." said Murdock "To be successful I have to give it my all.
My teachers and coaches have really helped me...there are sacrifices all around.
Murdock will play her final game as a Trailblazer, on Senior day, against Azusa Pacific Nov.4 at 5:30 p.m. in Legend Solar Stadium.
