EHHS Scholar-Athletes: Ireland and Murphy

Seniors Nate Ireland and Jordan Murphy were selected as East Hampton High School’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. 

The Scholar-Athlete Program annually recognizes two high school seniors from each member high school of the Connecticut Association of Schools/Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS/CIAC) whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage.

The pair was honored at the 40th annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on May 7.

Ireland Leads the Way

Ireland did a little of everything at East Hampton High School, starring on the basketball courts and competing on the cross-country trails and track during the other two athletic seasons. 

This past winter on the hardwood, he earned All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention after averaging a double-double (10+ points, 10+ rebounds), serving as the team’s frontcourt presence and team captain as the Bellringers made the state tournament for a second consecutive season, winning a total of 23 games over the last two seasons.  

East Hampton boys basketball head coach John Antolini called Ireland a “true leader” and praised him for his approach to the game.    

“He plays the right way,” added Antolini. “He plays unselfishly, respects his teammates, plays hard, and most importantly, has fun.”
Along with playing basketball at the high school for three years, Ireland also made a name as a distance runner, competing for the cross-country team for three years and a member of the outdoor track team the past two springs. 

Antolini added that Ireland was deserving of the award, stating, “His attitude and the example he sets is contagious and his teammates thrive off the way he plays and the example he sets on and off the court. I look forward to hearing about his successes for years to come.” 

Ireland will attend Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Murphy Leaves Championship Legacy

Murphy was a four year member for the volleyball, basketball, and outdoor track teams, helping bring home state championships in all three sports. 

This past school year, she was a captain for all three teams and has been an all-conference selection in all three sports. 

On the volleyball courts, Murphy was a two-time all-state recipient and was named the Class M tournament’s Most Valuable Player her senior year as the Bellringers captured the program’s first state championship this past November. 

East Hampton volleyball coach Molly Grabowski said that Murphy is an outstanding athlete, yet it’s the intangibles that make her special, stating, “her work ethic is second to none.” 

“She comes to practice every day ready to give 100%,” added Murphy. “She is self -disciplined and constantly looking to make herself better.  She also has a great deal of mental toughness.”

Grabowski added that Murphy played varsity since her freshman season and grew into a leader by setting an example on a daily basis.  

“She walks the walk and this drives her teammates to want to be there with her,” stated Grabowski. “Jordan has developed into an athlete who leads her team demonstrating an outstanding skillset, attitude, work ethic, discipline, and enthusiasm for the sport.”

Following the volleyball title, Murphy was the only senior starter and team captain for a Bellringers basketball team that won the program’s first state title since 1980.

Over her four years on the basketball team, the Bellringers captured four straight Shoreline Conference (SLC) championships. 

She is currently finishing up her senior season in outdoor track where she helped the program win a state title in 2021.
Murphy will attend University of Hartford where she will be a member of the Hawks track and field team in West Hartford

Grabowski said no matter what sport Murphy continues to play, she will be successful, adding “She will prove to be an asset and an integral part of any college program and for any sport she decides to pursue, because that’s Jordan.”