Murphy And Napolitano Join UMass Track And Field Coaching Staff

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts' men's and women's track and field programs have added Taelour Murphy and John Napolitano to the coaching staff, director of women's track and field and cross country Julie LaFreniere and director of men's track and field and cross country David Jackson announced on Wednesday. Murphy will be responsible for sprints, while Napolitano will coach throws for the Minutewomen and Minutemen.

"I am thrilled to welcome Taelour Murphy to our track and field staff, said LaFreniere. "Her tenure as an NCAA Division II coach along with her years as a high-caliber collegiate sprinter have given Coach Murphy a valuable perspective on working with a variety of student-athletes. Taelour brings a history of winning to our sprints program. She is a passionate coach and a strong role model for our student-athletes."

"Coach Murphy's experiences as a highly-decorated student-athlete and successful coach in her time in MSU have equipped her to be a very good coach," said Jackson. "Our sprint corps will continue to grow under her watch."

A double-graduate of UMass Lowell, Murphy was a two-time All-American, New England champion and America East champion for the River Hawks and set six program records during her collegiate career. She was a two-time recipient of the school's Lester H. Cushing Award for best female athlete and served as team captain in 2014-15.

After graduating UMass Lowell with a bachelor's in art history in 2015, Murphy served as the track and field director of operations for the River Hawks while earning her master's in education curriculum in 2015-2016. She went on to serve as the sprints and hurdles coach at Missouri Southern State University in 2016 where she coached the school's first Division II indoor and outdoor NCAA qualifiers.

Napolitano comes to UMass after spending three seasons as assistant track and field coach at Christopher Newport University. While with the Captains, Napolitano mentored nine NCAA Division III championship qualifiers, three NCAA Division III All-Americans and 26 all-region honorees. His student-athletes won seven conference titles and set four Christopher Newport records during his tenure there, as well.

Napolitano previously served as the head throws/assistant track and field coach at his alma mater, Keene State, from 2008-2014. While with the Owls, he coached 11 NCAA Division III championship qualifiers, six All-Americans and two NCAA Division II national champions. His student-athletes garnered four ECAC titles, seven New England titles and 62 all-conference honors with 21 conference champions and four conference records set. In addition, 12 Keene State records fell under his watch. Napolitano graduated from Keene State with a bachelor's degree in communications in 2008.

"Coach Napolitano brings his extensive knowledge of training principles and concepts to our UMass throwers," said LaFreniere. "He is a master teacher and has a tremendous positive effect on his student-athletes. John's passion for the throws and his natural ability to recruit will create a throws powerhouse at UMass. I am delighted to welcome him to our UMass track and field family."

"Coach Napolitano brings great enthusiasm and experience to our program," said Jackson. "As a New England native, his ability to recruit our region will be a critical piece of our success moving forward."

For continued coverage of UMass cross country and track and field, follow the teams on Twitter @UMass_XC_TF and on UMassAthletics.com.

University of Massachusets Athletics

Murphy And Napolitano Join UMass Track And Field Coaching Staff

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