By: Dalton Thomas
Driven, enthusiastic athletes have long called McPherson College home, and two transfers this season are adding even more skill and vigor to the court and field. Meet Reilly Murphy, a standout from Whitehall, Michigan, majoring in Digital Media Communications, and Jace Essig, a force from Paradise, Texas, majoring in Sports Studies and minoring in Biology. Both athletes, who arrived at McPherson after having successful starts at other schools, contribute not only talent but also leadership and energy.
The Decision to Transfer
Both Reilly and Jace came to McPherson looking for a fresh start—driven by a desire to grow and compete at a higher level. Reilly, who had a decorated run at Muskegon Community College as an All-American, explained, “I was at a junior college and I needed to find another home to finish my eligibility. I chose this new school with help from a friend who was playing on the volleyball team.” For Jace, the move was fueled by a need for opportunity. “The motivation for transferring was obviously playing time,” he said. “At my last school, I wasn’t given chances like I knew I deserved, so I talked to my family. We thought it was in my best interest to get a fresh start somewhere else!”
Adjusting to New Environments
The transition to McPherson came with unique academic and athletic challenges. “Academics at McPherson have been interesting,” Jace noted. “I wasn’t able to transfer all my credits, so I got put in a weird position to pursue a different major. Other than that, I have a great relationship with my professors.” Reilly had an easier time, saying, “The transition between schools for academics was simple, and I fit right in with the communication major.”
Athletically, the pace and expectations changed, too. Reilly observed, “The competition was at a higher level, and I was pushed to acclimate to the new pace of volleyball.” Jace added, “It’s been a little different; we have to share a weight room with other sports. The schedule is a lot different, which took some getting used to.”
One constant that helped both adjust? Their teams. “My teammates are the only reason I’ve been able to adjust,” said Jace. “Having 40 built-in best friends makes life much easier!” Reilly echoed that sentiment: “My teammates were my family away from home. I had a struggle in the first semester being away from my family, but my team took that place temporarily in my heart.”
Embracing Team Culture and Evolving Roles
Both athletes also noted the differences in culture and coaching at McPherson. “The coaches here give us a better chance to be ourselves,” Jace said. “That’s what matters in sports; if you can’t be yourself, it’s really hard to play!” Reilly appreciated the contrast, saying, “Coaching styles are different, but both have taught me a different aspect of the game and gave me many lessons to hold on to.”
Adapting to new expectations has had its trials. “The hardest part of adjusting to a new team culture is that there are new standards,” Jace explained. “There is a higher standard of play than was expected on my last team.” Reilly added, “Studying and keeping everyone accountable was the toughest challenge to the program’s culture called the MAC 8.”
Their roles have changed significantly as well. Jace went from “bringing the juice off the bench” to becoming the team’s captain. “I’m in more of a leadership role now,” he said. “I’ve fully embraced that, and it has made me a better man because of it.” Reilly also took on more leadership, especially as an upperclassman. “At my previous school, I was the only upperclassman (other than my twin), which came with many different leadership roles,” she said.
Highlights, Surprises, and Looking Ahead
Among the most rewarding parts of their new experiences have been the unexpected highlights. “Some surprises, like how awesome the car show was last year,” Jace recalled. “I heard some really good things, but I did not expect it to be that awesome!” Reilly was pleasantly surprised by the cultural diversity: “Being at a high recruitment college for sports, I was introduced to many new cultures. Especially having the ability to recruit foreign students was new to me.”
And the favorite memories? Jace didn’t hesitate: “Beating Ottawa! The dogs played amazing baseball. Amazing team baseball.” Reilly’s favorite moment came on the national stage: “Going to nationals this past season! So many great memories to cherish.”
Looking toward the future, both student-athletes have set ambitious goals. “Be the best captain I can be. Be a leader amongst men,” said Jace. “Enjoy the little time I have left with my teammates and coaches. Lead the team to a conference championship.” Reilly shared similar hopes: “Produce the best campus events through the clubs I am involved in and make a memorable last couple of weeks for my senior class!”
When asked what advice they’d give to others considering transferring, their responses were rooted in courage and self-belief. “It only takes one person to say yes,” said Jace. “Take the chance and bet on yourself.” Reilly added, “Shoot for a school not close to your hometown! Go experience other cultures and areas and learn from others.”
These student-athletes demonstrate that transferring is not about starting over—it’s about discovering where you truly belong. For the McPherson teams, Jace Essig and Reilly Murphy are more than just fresh faces on a roster; they are fresh leaders, fresh voices, and fresh energy.
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