Murphy Takes Over Shenendehowa Girls Basketball

For the third time this season, Shenendehowa has announced a new varsity coach.

Joe Murphy was formally introduced as the Plainsmen girls basketball coach taking over for the legendary Ken Strube, who retired.

The school's Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendation of Murphy on Tuesday night.

Brent Steuerwald (football), Mike Campisi (boys soccer) and Strube all retired after very successful tenures at the school.

Strube led the Plainsmen program for 33 years. Named to the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, Strube won four state titles and 10 Section II crowns.

"Joe has been a tremendous asset to our girls' program. His knowledge of the league, the teams, and the players has been a major factor in our success," said athletic director Chris Culnan. "Joe has been immersed in not only the girls' program within the school, but also the local AAU programs in Saratoga County. We look forward to Joe's vision and leadership as he takes on the challenge or replacing Ken Strube as our girls' varsity basketball coach."

Murphy has been working with the Shenendehowa girls' basketball program since 2004. He has been involved in girls' basketball in the Capital District since 1999.

Murphy started at Shenendehowa as a volunteer assistant in 2004. As a member of Strube's staff, Murphy helped the team win Suburban Council championships in seven straight years starting in 2006. As a member of the girls' varsity staff, Murphy was also a part of the 2008 and 2010 Section II championship teams.

The 2010 team was also a state finalist.

"After working under Ken Strube for the past eight years (four years as a varsity assistant and last four as the freshman coach) I am truly honored to be selected as the next girls' basketball coach at Shenendehowa," said Murphy. "It was a privilege and an exceptional learning experience working with Ken through the years. I am excited to be able to work with our student-athletes here at Shen on the varsity level. Our program will be commited to maintaining the tradition of excellence that Ken established during his 33 years as the head coach.'

Murphy had an overall 68-3 record as the girls' freshmen coach since 2008, including three undefeated seasons.

He's also been an assistant coach with the Empire State Games Women's Open Division Team and helped lead them to bronze, silver and gold in consecutive years (2006, 2007 and 2008).

Murphy is the founder and director of the Shenendehowa/Clifton Park Girls' Basketball Camp. He has also coached numerous girls AAU teams which have competed at the local, state and national level.

"I am extremely pleased for Joe and his family. Shenendehowa girls' basketball is in excellent hands," said Culnan. "Joe's work over the past nine years has demonstrated that he is more than ready to take on this challenge. Joe has developed genuine relationships with all the girls who have come through the program and they have tremendous respect for him and his work ethic."