CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Gavin Murrie, a senior on the University of Dubuque’s men’s tennis team, is a proud student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
For Murrie, being part of the A-R-C means joining something larger than himself.
The conference's competitive nature and the abundance of talented individuals have pushed him both in the classroom and on the court, developing his time management and communication skills.
Murrie believes that the A-R-C has helped him become a more disciplined and driven individual, influencing how he approaches challenges in all areas of life.
Transfer and Adaptation
One of the most significant challenges Murrie faced was transferring colleges and joining the Spartans.
Moving away from home for the first time required him to adapt to a new environment, meet new people, and adjust to a new learning environment.
Reflecting on this transition, Murrie expresses gratitude for the choices he made and the journey he embarked on. He considers it an invaluable experience that he would never trade for anything else.
Support from Coaches and Teammates
Murrie emphasized the importance of the support he received from his coaches throughout his athletic pursuits.
He believes it's crucial to trust and utilize coaches as resources while also taking ownership of his own journey.
Murrie played in both the NJCAA and NCAA, and he understands that each coach has different expectations; it is up to the student-athlete to determine what works best for them.
In addition to his coaches, Murrie found a second family in his tennis teammates. Their support during matches, long road trips, and academic endeavors made him feel valued and included, boosting his confidence to grow as both a player and a person.
Pride and Legacy
When reflecting on his accomplishments in the A-R-C, Murrie expressed pride in being recognized as the athlete of the week.
Being mentioned alongside other talented student-athletes brought him a sense of fulfillment and motivation to continue improving to earn academic and athletic awards.
However, Murrie acknowledges that his legacy goes beyond records and important matches.
He hopes to be remembered as a leader who brought a strong presence to the court every day.
Murrie's student-athlete journey is about more than just competition. He emphasized that success is not solely measured by results
, but also by how one treats their teammates and carries themselves when no one is watching.
He is immensely grateful for the A-R-C, his coaches, teammates, and everyone who supported him along the way.
Murrie's story serves as a testament to the impact of the A-R-C on student-athletes' personal growth and development.
Don't forget to become a fan of the American Rivers Conference on Facebook @AmericanRiversConference, X (Twitter) @AmerRiversConf, and Instagram @AmericanRiversConference.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
