Lufkin ISD is proud to celebrate Mariah Murray, recently honored as one of the Lufkin Daily News “40 Under 40” recipients!
Mariah joined Lufkin ISD in the fall of 2022 as an Athletic Trainer, bringing with her a strong academic foundation and a passion for supporting student-athletes. A Huntsville native, she earned her Associate of Arts from Tyler Junior College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Tyler. She then completed her Master’s in Athletic Training at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2022.
Throughout her training, Mariah gained valuable experience working with collegiate teams across multiple sports, including basketball, tennis, soccer, softball, baseball, football, and volleyball. Her journey with Lufkin ISD began as an intern with Lufkin Athletics—an experience that led to her joining the staff full-time the following year. Since joining Lufkin ISD, Mariah has continued to serve our student-athletes with dedication, expertise, and genuine care through her work with Lufkin Sports Medicine.
Please join us in congratulating Mariah on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for the impact she makes every day at Lufkin ISD! Read her 40 Under 40 entry below!
Mariah Murray
Sports & Athletics
Lufkin ISD Sports Medicine – Athletic Trainer
“My professional journey has been anything but traditional, and at first glance the variety of industries I’ve worked in, may not seem connected. I’ve spent time in Assisted Living and Home Healthcare, worked as a Correctional Officer in a maximum-security prison, served in a medium-custody mental health facility for the criminally insane, and now work as a full-time Professional Athletic Trainer in public education.
Every role, however different, shaped me in ways that prepared me for who I am today.
- Assisted Living taught me empathy
- Home Healthcare taught me care and compassion
- Corrections taught me calm in chaos
- Mental health work taught me restraint, emotional control, and patience
- An ultimately, these experiences taught me forgiveness, resilience, and perspective
“Diamonds are just coal that performed well under pressure, and gold id refined inly by fire.” Each step in my journey has been a refinement process—challenging at times, but each hardship strengthened my character; sharpened my professionalism and deepened my commitment to serving others.
Every challenge prepared me to excel in my current role—to stay composed under pressure, to connect with others with empathy and understanding, and to support those I serve with both strength and compassion. I’m grateful for the experiences that built resilience and shaped my character, making me not just a better clinician, but a better person.
I don’t just envision my work making a positive impact—I have the blessing of seeing it every day. The lives touched, the students strengthened, the injuries prevented, the confidence built, the trust formed, and the athletes who return years later to say “thank you” are all proof that purpose is bigger than profession.
In my career, the outcome sare measurable—from student health outcomes and safety metrics to program improvements and community engagement—but the impact that matters most is spiritual and personal transformation. The growth, the healing, the encouragement, and the hope I get to witness remind me that God is faithful and that the work He assigns us is never in vain.
I don’t have to compete, promote myself, or strive for recognition—because what God has for me is already mine. My responsibility isn’t to chase titles; it is to show up with integrity and to serve with excellence.
My role is simple:
Push the needle forward.
Serve with joy.
Lead with compassion.
Stand in faith.
And trust that every life I touch, every student I support, every colleague I uplift, and every moment I spend in purpose contributes to something far bigger than myself.
In every space I enter—athletic training rooms, sidelines, campuses, and communities—I want to leave people better than I found them. That’s the impact I strive for; and that’s the legacy I pray to leave.
I think a 40 Under 40 honoree should reflect qualities that make a positive and lasting difference in their community. To me, that includes strong character; a commitment to service, and a genuine desire to see and help others succeed.
Leadership isn’t just about personal accomplishments—it’s about creating opportunities, and setting an example through integrity, humility, and hard work.
A 40 Under 40 recipient should also demonstrate resilience and a willingness to adapt and keep learning. Most importantly, they should be someone who uses their gifts to strengthen their community and inspire others to do the same.”
