Patrick Murphy: We watched this Alabama team grow up during this season

Patrick Murphy saw a lot of growth in Alabama softball over the course of the year and it all led to the Women’s College World Series.

Following a clean sweep in the Tuscaloosa Regional and taking two of three from Tennessee in the Super Regional, the Crimson Tide are one step closer. UCLA is next to open the CWS round.

Murphy described the journey to this point.

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“You know, I just talked to an alum, Katie Johnson Rooney on the way here, and she’s like, ‘Murph holy buckets, is this really happening,’” Murphy said. “And I said, Katie, it’s the same response I’ve had. And everybody should be so proud of this group because, you know, they couldn’t listen to the negativity and they didn’t. I didn’t. The staff didn’t. And it’s one of those years where you literally saw a team grow up right in front of your eyes.” 

Murphy mentioned how the Crimson Tide overcame injuries at the most important positions throughout the year. It really proved their resilience.

“You know, we had three surgeries during the season,” Murphy said. “And I told the media up in Knoxville, it was catcher, pitcher, centerfield. It’s not like, you know, three important positions. It was three of the biggest positions, and they literally had surgery during the season. And so credit to … our training staff led by Jeff Allen, the team doctors were incredible. 

“And somehow, some way or all three of them are back and better than ever … But for them to do what they did, just to come back and play is a miracle in itself.”

Patrick Murphy reveals advice from Nick Saban

Head coach Patrick Murphy has to be quite familiar with Women’s College World Series, making his 15th appearance with the Crimson Tide. With just one national championship, he’s hoping to add another in 2024.

Before getting on the plane, there were questions about Alabama potentially being tired going into the WCWS. Murphy says his team is well rested after giving them two days off, something he learned from Nick Saban. A small comment made during a press conference back in the day has stuck with Murphy throughout all these years.

“I learned from Coach Saban a long time ago… One day off is good, two days off is awesome,” Murphy said. “I’ve listened to that for a long time. I’m the type of guy that if the players are tired, it’s my fault. So, I’ll ask a senior ‘You tired? You need a day off?’ And if they hesitate, they’re getting a day off because that means they need a day off.”

Alabama opens the CWS against No. 6 UCLA Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET.

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