Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Mendel Murray has forged a remarkable career in the professional sports industry, showcasing how determination, strategic thinking, and unwavering focus can lead to lasting success beyond athletics. Drawing from his experience as a cross-country athlete, he transformed personal lessons into a blueprint for excellence both on and off the playing field. NILBuckets had the privilege of gaining insights from this accomplished sports professional, a best-selling author and speaker who currently serves as the Manager of Community Relations for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA.
Overcoming External Doubt to Achieve Athletic Success
Dr. Murray’s most memorable moment as an athlete came during the final race of his cross-country career. It was a victory not just in competition, but against the doubts of others. “Before beginning my XC journey, several people, including family members, told me I would not be successful… I was ‘too heavy,’” he recalled. Determined to prove them wrong, he spent two summers training rigorously and ultimately earned the scholar-athlete award.
He describes the experience as a mental battle, one that prepared him for future challenges. “When you run XC, you enter a race between you and your mind. Whenever I get into a rough patch in my professional career, I remember every challenge starts with completing one mile at a time.”
Applying an Athletic Mindset to Life After Sports
As many athletes might wonder throughout their career, Dr. Murray questioned if he was pushing his limits at the collegiate level, such as the time he signed up for an 8K race. His strategy was to train harder (by running 12 miles each day) to prepare for an event that others wondered if he could do. By taking each challenge one day at a time, he was able to check off seemingly impossible tasks, making each accomplishment achievable. He went on to say, “stay steadfast in your approach and you can achieve anything you want to in this life and more.”
A Strategic Climb in Professional Sports
Mendel’s post-college career has been equally inspiring. While at the University of Bridgeport (UB), he served as the longest-standing team manager, handling tasks as unglamorous as mopping gym floors. But for Dr. Murray, those moments were foundational. “As far as I was concerned, I was mopping the gym floor at UB, but tomorrow, I will be in the Garden.”
After graduation, Dr. Murray landed a role with the Brooklyn Nets as an Inside Sales Representative, and later shifted to higher education working more directly with athletes. At Sonoma State University, he served as an academic and career advisor to over 300 student-athletes and kinesiology students, all while pursuing a doctorate. His research focused on supporting Black male student-athletes through identity development and sports retirement.
From there, his career soared. At Toronto FC (TFC), he initially supported player development and later oversaw culture and inclusion at the club, ensuring their community presence reflected their values. Now with the Golden State Warriors, Dr. Murray is the Manager of Community Relations, using his platform to uplift marginalized communities through sports.
Advocating for Financial Literacy
Throughout his journey, Mendel has identified financial literacy as a critical area for athletes. “General financial literacy should be taught in schools—topics like loans, budgeting, taxes, and investing,” he says. “None of these seem important until you need them, but by then, you often have split seconds to make life-altering decisions.”
For athletes, especially those navigating NIL opportunities, he advises, “Pay yourself first from every paycheck. Invest wherever you can, as this will help you in the long term. Resist spending on frivolous things like sneakers or dining out. In the long-run, you realize that what you really need, especially if you have financial loans to pay back after school, is a financial foundation to support your general life expenses.”
Words of Wisdom
Dr. Murray credits much of his success to surrounding himself with the right people and maintaining persistence. He shares one of his favorite quotes from Andre De Shields:
- “Always surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming.”
- “Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you need to be. Be patient, but also be persistent in your pursuit.”
- “The top of every mountain is the bottom of the next, so never stop climbing.”
Dr. Mendel Murray’s story is a powerful reminder that strategic planning, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Whether advising young athletes or leading community initiatives, he continues to inspire others to aim high and keep climbing.