RENO, Nev. - Nevada Women's Basketball Head Coach, Kelly Sopak, has hired former professional player, Najé Murray, as assistant coach and Director of Recruiting. 

"Najé Murray is one of the rising stars in our game," said Coach Sopak. "She played for me with Cal Stars, and I've seen her grow into one of the premiere recruiters and young coaches on the West Coast. She understands today's student-athlete, she knows the transfer portal and she builds real relationships."

Murray comes to Nevada from UC Riverside where she was an assistant coach for two seasons. In the 2025-2026 season under Brad Langston, she helped guide the Highlanders to a Big West Tournament quarterfinal appearance. She also mentored and developed guard Hannah Wickstrom to All-Big West honors.

During the 2024-2025 season, Murray helped guide the Highlanders to 18 wins and the 700th overall win in program history. UC Riverside made a quarterfinal appearance and won seven of eight to finish conference play that season.

Before UC Riverside, Murray was at San Diego State where she was an assistant coach focusing on on-court player development, scouting and recruiting. She helped guide the Aztecs to a 23-11 record and their first appearance in the Mountain West Championship Game since 2013. Along the way she had two players selected to the All-Mountain West First Team. 

"I'm deeply humbled to be at the University of Nevada and to serve alongside Kelly Sopak. Sopak is not only one of the most renowned leaders in women's basketball, but someone who has played a pivotal role in my personal and professional journey," said Murray. "I had the privilege of playing for him, and to work together in this capacity is a full‑circle moment I'm incredibly grateful for. Coach Sopak is family to me, and to be a part of his vision is an opportunity I hold with immense honor. His unwavering pride in Nevada and genuine commitment to developing student-athletes make him the perfect leader for this program. I am proud to represent Nevada, excited for what lies ahead and energized to be on this journey as we work to elevate this program to new heights in the Kelly Sopak era."

Murray began her playing career for the Aztecs and set the single season record for most 3-pointers (81) and was named to the All-Mountain West Freshman Team. Murray moved on to Texas Tech and while playing for the Red Raiders set a single game record with eight threes. 

After graduating from Texas Tech, Murray attended Syracuse to earn her masters and finish her playing career. While competing for the Orange, she was named team captain, started every game and scored her 1,000th-career point in December 2021. Additionally, Murray was named to the All-ACC Academic Team and the Athletic Director's Honor Roll.

She played professionally overseas in Luxembourg for Amicale Steesel in the LBBL League where she averaged 14 points per game.

Murray attended Saint Mary's High School in Stockton, Calif., where she was the 30th ranked guard in the state and was a 1,000 point scorer. She started all four years for the Rams and won the CIF Open Division state championship during her tenure. Named team captain her senior year, Murray was also selected to three Cal-Hi Sports Teams during her high school career.

"We didn't just hire a coach, we added a difference maker," said Sopak. "I'm fired up for what she brings to Nevada."