Thomas Murphy, perhaps better known as Dean Murphy, was an extraordinary force within the water-skiing community. His impact is immeasurable, not only because of the strides he made in establishing and guiding teams and programs, but also through the countless lives he touched along the way.
Murphy served as the Dean of Students at Northeast Louisiana University, known today as the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). In addition to his administrative role, he founded the ULM Water Ski Team in 1977 and served as its advisor, chief fundraiser, administrator, and biggest supporter. He worked closely with the university to establish skier scholarships, secure transportation, and provide other resources that allowed ULM to grow into the powerhouse program it is known as today.
When asked why his team was so successful, Murphy explained that championships were not built on a few exceptional skiers. Instead, he believed success came from a complete roster of talented athletes working together. For Murphy, championships were not won through individual performances alone, but through the strength of the team as a whole.
His influence extended far beyond ULM. Murphy was known for helping students throughout the region establish water-ski programs at other universities, and he often directed recruits to other schools when there was no room on the ULM roster. His commitment to collegiate water skiing reached the international stage when he was selected as the first Team USA coach for the University Worlds Team in Bulgaria.
Murphy also played a key role in organizing the first NCWSA National Championships in 1979. Even after his retirement from the University in 1993, he was still very involved. Attending nationals all the way up to 1999, where he watched his beloved ULM Ski Team win another National Championship in Sacramento, California.
The breadth of Murphy’s contributions is reflected in his remarkable legacy. He became the first coach ever inducted into the USA Water Ski Foundation’s Water Ski Hall of Fame and remains the only inductee affiliated solely with the NCWSA. He was inducted posthumously in 2002 after passing away on February 16, 2000, due to complications from leukemia.
More than two decades later, Murphy’s influence continues to be felt throughout collegiate water skiing. His dedication to student-athletes, commitment to growing the sport, and belief in the power of teamwork helped shape the NCWSA into what it is today. While his accomplishments are impressive, his greatest legacy lies in the generations of skiers, coaches, and leaders whose lives he impacted and inspired.
Written by Laura Rucks
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