Throwback Thursday: Angie Halbleib-Murphy
Dec. 2, 2010
Angie Halbleib-Murphy (women’s basketball, 1994-97)
Halbleib-Murphy was a standout performer for the Jayhawks, earning four letters from 1994-97. She currently ranks 12th on the Kansas all-time scoring chart with 1,429 career points. She is the three-point shooting record holder with 237 career triples. She also tops the three-point field goal attempts chart with 658 career attempts. Halbleib-Murphy is one of three Kansas women’s basketball players to be named an Academic All-American as she earned the prestigious honor in both 1996 and 1997. She was a starter on the Kansas team that claimed the final Big Eight Conference title and the inaugural Big 12 Conference championship. In addition, Halbleib-Murphy averaged 14.3 points per game her junior season, in helping guide the Jayhawks to their first appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16. She currently resides in Verona, Wis., with her husband Brian and children Megan (5) and Drew (3).
What first interested you in playing basketball?
“I am really not sure. I started playing organized basketball in fourth grade, but loved all sports growing up. My dad and I would go to Badger (UW-Madison) men’s games together when I was little and I loved it. No one really went to the women’s games back then, so it is nice to see little girls with their dads and moms at women’s games now.”
Who were your biggest influences when you were first learning the game?
“I loved watching the NBA and always pretended I was Michael Jordan when I was playing down at the park or in my driveway. My parents were also very influential because they made opportunities available to me such as camps and AAU.”
How did you decide on Kansas during your recruitment?
“I fell in love with the campus, the coaching staff and the players. It really felt like home for me and I verbally committed to them as soon as I got back from my recruiting trip.”
What is your favorite place to eat in Lawrence (and why)?
“As pathetic as it may sound, it was probably Dunkin’ Donuts and Pizza Shuttle. I was lucky that I was exercising every day in practice or I would have been in trouble!”
What is your favorite playing memory from your time at Kansas?
“Definitely winning the last Big Eight title and the first Big 12 Conference championship were my favorite memories. Also, being on the first Kansas team to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16 really stands out.”
What is your current job/position?
“I am a high school math teacher at my old high school in Middleton, Wis., a suburb of Madison. I also coach varsity girls basketball at Verona High School, the biggest rival of the school I teach at, which can be a little awkward since my old high school coach is still at Middleton coaching the girls. We have split the conference championship the last two years and have both made the State Tournament the last three years in a row, so there is a lot of competition between the two basketball programs.”
How do you think having been a college athlete helps you in your current job?
“I learned a lot about leadership, dealing with setbacks and how to handle success gracefully as well. In addition, as a coach now, I am able to relate better to my players because I understand what it takes and I feel that I have a better knowledge base because of my opportunity to play college athletics.”
What advice would you give to the current crop of Jayhawk athletes?
“Enjoy the experience, it goes way too fast. Also, don’t take it for granted at all, it is an amazing opportunity these girls have been given.”
Have you had a chance to see the new/upgraded facilities?
“I have not…with two small kids (five year old daughter, Megan, and three year old son, Drew) we have not really had the time to get back lately. I hear that everything is really first class and we plan on getting back soon (as soon as the kids won’t drive us nuts in the car for an eight hour drive!).”
Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates/coaches?
“I keep in touch the most with Shelly Canada, who is still my best friend, even though we don’t get to see each other that much. I check in on some of the others via Facebook, etc., and also try to talk to Coach Washington a couple times a year.”
