Murdoch, accompanied by her parents, Doug and Lori, older sister Brittney and younger brother Matthew, signed an NCAA letter of intent Thursday afternoon at Wildcat Gym to play women’s college basketball at the University of Denver beginning next year.
“I loved the coach, the team - everything is perfect up there,” said Murdoch, who was also considering Boston University and Texas-San Antonio. “They are just such a team. Everything they do is together as a team and that’s what I really want.”
Added Denver coach Pamela Tanner: “We are extremely ecstatic about adding Kaetlyn to the Pioneer family. We’re not only getting a quality basketball player but a great person.”
Murdoch, a 6-foot senior, is averaging 13.6 points per game this season. As a junior she was an All-District 13-5A first-team selection and broke the school record for double-doubles in a season while averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Temple coach Don Layton said he only expects Murdoch to continue to improve.
“She will be an incredible college player,” Layton said. “She’s very versatile and can jump out of the gym. She can play either the 3, 4 or even the center position. Her defense is so strong. She’s the best rebounder I’ve ever coached. They know they got a steal.”
According to Tanner, Murdoch, who operates as the Tem-Cats’ power forward, likely will play the small forward position in the Pioneers’ motion offensive attack. Tanner said it was Murdoch’s overall athleticism that attracted her interest and made her decide to offer a full scholarship.
“She has such a competitive drive,” said Tanner, in her 13th season. “I believe she can step in immediately and contribute.”
The Division I Pioneers, who compete in the Sun Belt Conference, are 0-1 this season after dropping their season opener to No. 10-ranked Duke. Denver will lose four seniors at the end of the season, but with the addition of Murdoch, along with three more recruits, Tanner is very excited about the incoming class.
Academics also were a major factor in Murdoch’s decision. She plans to major in architectural engineering and Denver ranks as one of the top engineering institutions in the country.
“It’s nice to know where I’m going and to do what I love when I’m there,” Murdoch said.
cmeister@temple-telegram.com
