One of head coach Carol Owens' first hires, Molly Murray has proven herself a vital member of the staff. She coaches the wings and small forwards, and serves as the team's recruiting coordinator and also works on scheduling.

"Having coached her and watched her progress in Division I from Butler to Michigan and her work at Notre Dame, I knew Molly had the upbeat energetic personality that would be a great fit," Owens said. "I always envisioned her being a great role model based on her experiences as a player and a coach."

A former pupil of Owens' at the University of Michigan, Murray joined the Northern Illinois staff from Culver Academy in Indiana. While at Culver, the two worked together coordinating the University of Notre Dame's highly successful summer camps.

Before going to Culver, Murray spent two seasons on Sue Guevara's Michigan staff. She was director of basketball operations in 2001-02 and was promoted to assistant coach the following season.

"In addition to her Big Ten experience, she's very good at breaking down opponents," Owens said.

Murray began her coaching career at Butler University where she was an assistant under head coach Wendy Gatlin. Murray joined Butler's staff after a very successful playing career at Michigan.

Murray capped her four-year career at Michigan as a co-captain, Big Ten All-Tournament pick, and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection in 1997-98, as well as the recipient of the UM Academic Achievement Award and Nike Scholarship Award. She left Michigan ranked 15th in career scoring (844 pts.) and also as the Wolverine record holder for three-point field goals made in a game (six) and career (134). Her career three-point percentage (.422) rates fourth on the school's single-season list. She graduated from Michigan in May 1999 with a bachelors degree in sports management and communications.

Murray was also a standout prep star at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. She was named USA Today's Top Michigan Prep Player her senior year. The sharp-shooting guard was also a Street & Smith's Honorable Mention Prep All-America and runner-up for Michigan's Miss Basketball title. Her three-year letter-winning career was capped with First-Team All-State Class B accolades, All-Grand Rapids City League honors, All-District and All-Area acclaim. She was also honored as one the best players in the last 25 years in the Grand Rapids City League. Murray also lettered two seasons in softball at first base.