DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University announced the promotion of longtime assistant Erin Murphy to women's lacrosse head coach on Friday as Kelly Ryan announced her resignation to pursue another coaching opportunity.
 
Murphy becomes the second head coach of the program since its revival in 2018 and fifth head coach in the Averett women's lacrosse history. She has been a part of the program since the start of its current era, serving as an assistant coach from spring 2017 through May 2019 before rejoining the team as an assistant coach in August 2020 while also working in Averett's admissions office.
 
"Erin Murphy has been a valuable part of our women's lacrosse program since it was reintroduced at Averett in 2018," said Meg Stevens, vice president, director of athletics and campus operations. "We are fortunate to have someone with her passion and energy lead our program as we make the move to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in 2022-23, and her knowledge of our program and our student-athletes will help make the transition seamless."
 
Murphy said she is excited for the opportunity.
 
"I'm thankful for Meg Stevens and the administration's overwhelming support going into such a prestigious conference," Murphy said. "This is such a special and hard-working group of young ladies. I can't wait to see what we can continue to accomplish together."

Murphy played four seasons of collegiate lacrosse, including her final two at Division II Wingate University, where she was a two-time team captain. She earned all-conference second team honors at midfield, leading her team in scoring in 2015. During her senior campaign, she earned honorable mention all-conference defense in 2016. Prior to Wingate, Murphy played two seasons at Division I Presbyterian College as a midfielder. She tied the school record for draw controls.

In addition to her playing experience, Murphy has served as an assistant coach with the Dover Defy Lacrosse, Extreme Lacrosse and Queen City Lacrosse Clubs.

A native of Mooresville, North Carolina, Murphy earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Wingate in 2016. She earned her master's degree in business administration with a concentration in human resource management from Averett in May 2019.
 
Murphy takes over the reins of the program from Ryan, who was hired in 2016 to restart the women's lacrosse program in time for the 2018 spring season. Under Ryan, Averett became a top-tier team in the USA South Athletic Conference almost immediately. She compiled a 43-29 overall record with a 26-12 conference mark in five seasons while coaching the Cougars to the 2019 USA South Tournament championship game in her second season and the 2020 USA South East Division finals appearance.
 
"I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be the women's lacrosse head coach at Averett University the past six years," Ryan said. "The university, staff and the outstanding student-athletes I have worked with are second to none. You will all hold a special place in my heart, even as I move on to another coaching  opportunity. A special thanks Meg Stevens and Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks, who put their faith in me to restart the women's lacrosse program. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience."
 
Ryan produced 15 all-conference selections, five all-state selections, five conference all-tournament selections and one USA South Rookie of the Year and VaSID State Co-Rookie of the Year. Her players have also succeeded in the classroom, earning academic recognition from the conference and national organizations.
 
"We wish Kelly the best as she pursues another coaching opportunity," Stevens said. "Kelly helped build this program over the past six years and it has positioned us for a bright future."