CINCINNATI — A little bit of faith can go a long way in sports. For one priest, he brings just that not only in the church but also to the baseball diamond.
What You Need To Know
- Xavier University Athletics created a new position last year for a chaplain
- Father Bill Murphy is the university's chaplain, assisting every sport on campus
- Father Murphy's job consists of being at games and practices as well as supporting athletes in their faith
- Father Murphy says his favorite part of the job is getting to know all the athletes and what makes them unique
It’s a voice familiar from the Xavier University dugout. But the man under that ball cap is actually a priest, Father Bill Murphy, the university’s chaplain for athletics.
“Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath and be like this is my job?" Father Murphy said. "This is amazing!”
Father Murphy started in this newly created position last summer and is getting the hang of hanging with the student-athletes. The job comprises being at games and practices and helping guide these young athletes.
When he started looking for a new job last year, he quickly found this would be the perfect next step.
“Why Xavier?" Father Murphy asked those familiar with the university when job searching. "What do you like about this place? And they’re like the people, the people, the people, the people. And that has totally born itself out.”
But Father Murphy doesn’t just work with the baseball team, he works with every team at the university, from hosting team meals in his own dorm room to being on the sidelines of a men’s basketball game.
“It’s amazing," he said. "Just going from team to team, just trying to give the coaches and the players what they need to grow and be better here at Xavier.”
It’s important for Father Murphy to get to know each athlete, cheering them on by name
“Here we go, Jared!” he yelled during a game.
He knows those small messages of encouragement are just the beginning.
“I try to share the message of Jesuit spirituality, Ignatius spirituality, and the core of the mission of what Xavier University is," he said.
And hopes to continue to grow his relationship with the student-athletes for years to come.
Xavier is hosting the Big East Baseball Tournament this week as the number two seed. If the Musketeers win the tournament, they would get an automatic NCAA tournament bid for the first time since 2017.