SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – American International College has named Liam Murphy as its Head Cross Country Coach, Interim Director of Athletics Scott Foulis announced on Thursday, August 29.

"Liam is a driven and energetic coach, and we're looking forward to seeing the immediate impact he'll have with our cross country and distance athletes. We're excited to have him joining us here at AIC," Foulis said.

"I am thrilled to step into the role of Head Coach of Cross Country at AIC and lead this talented team into the 2024 season. The program has a rich history of success, and with the arrival of a new era of athletes and coaches, I am eager to see what we can achieve together. Our team is fueled by the leadership of our seniors, combined with the enthusiasm of a strong freshman class. After just a few practices, the energy and morale are high, and I can already sense something special starting to grow. I am excited for the journey ahead and the years of growth we will experience together," Murphy said.

Murphy brings a range of coaching experience to the Yellow Jackets. Most recently, he spent the previous two years as the graduate assistant for Springfield College, where he worked with the Pride's cross country athletes as well as the distance athletes during track and field season.

While coaching at Springfield, he was involved in all aspects of the program, most notably recruiting, practice planning and execution, and meet management, as well as in administrative duties and social media posting.

With Murphy helping guide the team, Kate Bonanno earned USTFCCCA Division III All-Mideast Region honors in 2022, becoming the first Pride cross country athlete to do so in 13 years. Additionally, both the men's and women's teams earned USTFCCCA Team Academic Awards in 2023.

Prior to coaching with the Pride, Murphy served one season as an intern assistant coach for the Pope Francis High School cross country team in 2021. He previously spent three years at the Northeast Kingdom Running Camp as a running camp counselor.

Murphy earned a USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist Certification in December 2023 as part of the USTFCCCA Convention held in Denver, Colorado that winter. He is also CPR and AED certified by the American Heart Association. 

Murphy was a four-year member of Springfield's cross country and track and field teams from 2017-21 prior to becoming the program's graduate assistant. He earned his bachelor's of science in physical education in December 2021, minoring in coaching, and gained his master's of education in physical education with a concentration in athletic leadership in May 2024.