Brendan Murphy Takes on Two Varsity Sports by Joe Githens

SEATTLE – The challenges and dedication it takes to play a high school sport can be hard for some, but junior Brendan Murphy is one of the more talented athletes at O’Dea and plays two varsity sports.

In the fall, Murphy made his first start on the football field at free safety. As a junior, Murphy put himself in a leadership role and helped lead a very talented defense to a successful year.

Murphy had many highlights on the year, but the one that stood out to him and the fans the most was an interception he returned for a touchdown against Seattle Prep.

Murphy said, “Being able to make a play like that in front of all our fans in a big game was one of the best moments I’ve had in high school.”

Murphy moved around to different positions and was a very versatile player that could play just about anywhere. At times, Murphy lined up at free safety, strong safety, weak safety, and at times he even played around the line of scrimmage. This is the type of player every high school coach wants because he is willing to play anywhere to help the team win. Next year, Murphy will be a three-time varsity football athlete and a clear candidate to lead the team as a captain.

The talent you see on the field is made possible by the work he puts in the weight room with strength coach, Paxton Paynter.

“Coach P has helped me so much over the past three years and we’re lucky to have a full-time strength coach like him. I think it shows how good of a coach he is based on the way our sports teams perform every year.”

After the conclusion of the football season, Murphy had a quick turnaround. He joined the basketball team and started practicing right away.

The football and basketball seasons overlap and makes it so football players are not eligible for the first couple games. Along with senior guard, Sam Lipscomb, Murphy sat out the first couple games. It took a little time to get back in their basketball routine.

Murphy is in his second year of varsity basketball and is currently sitting behind two standout guards Owen Moriarty and Takeo Staten-Sylvester. When Murphy gets his chances, he takes full advantage of them, especially on the defensive end.

A basketball coach will tell a player that if they play strong defense, they'll have a spot on the floor. Murphy’s good defense comes from the aggressive mentality that he holds on the football field.

When Murphy becomes a senior, his role will be a lot bigger on both the football and basketball teams. Murphy is ready for the challenge of being a key player on two O’Dea varsity teams and is looking to win a state championship.

If Murphy keeps pace with what he’s doing now, he will earn six O’Dea varsity letters in two sports. Murphy’s career numbers when he graduates will be an inspiration to all athletes in the future and will motivate others to try to play multiple sports.