Tea Area’s Aftyn Murray commits to Minnesota State

Minnesota State soccer and head coach Brian Bahl announced 13 student-athletes have penned a National Letter of Intent to join the Mavericks next season. All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

“It’s a great day for Maverick Soccer,” said head coach Brian Bahl. “We had the opportunity to add some incredible people, families, leaders and amazing soccer players to the Maverick family with this class. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know this group as we’ve gone through the recruiting process. They are motivated and talented and we can’t wait for them to take the field with us next fall. 

“The future of Maverick soccer is as exciting as it’s ever been,” continued Bahl. “We already return an extremely talented roster in the fall of 2024 after having one of the youngest teams we’ve ever had this fall, and this signing class will help fill in gaps left by graduation and will bolster us in every category on the field.  This class will allow us to have sustained success for years to come and these next few years for Maverick Soccer might just be the best we’ve ever seen. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

“I love our team, our culture, the great people we have here and I’m so excited for what’s to come. This new class is going to fit wonderfully with our values and our vision and they will play a huge role in all the great things that are ahead for Maverick Soccer.”

Aftyn Murray comes to the Mavericks as an attacking midfielder/forward from Tea. Murray is 5-feet-4-inches and attends Tea Area High School. 

Her high school accolades include nominations for Gatorade Player of the Year (2022, 2023), second team all-state (2020), first team all-state (2021, 2022, 2023), and two-year team captain. Murray helped her team to three State Championships and led the squad in goals (18) and assists (14) in 2023. A five-year letter winner, Murray was a starter for four seasons and was voted offensive player of the game in the 2023 State Championship game. Murray is a member of National Honor Society as well as Future Business Leaders of America.

Murray’s parents are Chris and Heather and are pictured at right. Murray intends to major in Nursing at Minnesota State.