Alexis Murphy graduated from Apex in 2012 and was a true three-sport athlete (track, basketball, soccer) who left a positive impact on our campus. Few athletes in Apex High School history have demonstrated the combination of speed, versatility, competitive excellence, and school spirit that defined Alexis Murphy’s remarkable career. Alexis was a multiple State Champion, a multiple All-American, and a four-time Conference Meet MVP.
During her time at Apex, Alexis established herself as one of the premier track and field athletes in North Carolina. As a senior in 2012, she captured NCHSAA Outdoor Track and Field State Championships in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, cementing her place among the state’s elite sprinters. Prior to that meet she displayed her dominance at the Mideast Regional Championships, winning the 200-meter title and finishing runner-up in the 100 meters. At the Tri-Nine Conference Championships, Alexis showcased her versatility by winning four events—the 100 meters, 200 meters, 300-meter hurdles, and 4×100-meter relay and was named Conference MVP. Earlier that year, she also earned a runner-up finish in the 55-meter dash at the Indoor Track and Field State Championships.
Her success was far from a one-year accomplishment. In 2011, Alexis won the NCHSAA Outdoor State Championship in the 200 meters and finished second in the 100 meters. That same year, she was named Conference MVP after winning conference titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and triple jump. On the national stage, Alexis helped lead her relay team to a USATF Outdoor National Championship in the 4×100-meter relay and finished fifth in the 100 meters, becoming the only athlete to medal among the top eight competitors in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events. As a sophomore in 2010, Alexis first announced herself as one of the state’s rising stars by earning Conference MVP honors, winning conference championships in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and triple jump.
Following her graduation from Apex, Alexis continued her athletic and academic success at the University of South Carolina. As a four-year member of the Gamecocks track and field program, she earned four varsity letters, was recognized as an Honor Roll student, and achieved Second Team All-American honors as a member of South Carolina’s 4×100-meter relay team in 2015.
While her track accomplishments alone would secure her place among Apex’s all-time greats, many in the Apex community also remember Alexis and her sister, Sydnei, for her legendary performances in Powder Puff football. Their athletic exploits became the stuff of school lore, with stories that are still shared today. One of the most memorable moments came during Alexis’s sophomore year when she drilled a remarkable 39-yard field goal after scoring six touchdowns, a feat that remains one of the most talked-about moments in Powder Puff history. Today, both Alexis and Sydnei Murphy are members of the Apex High School Hall of Fame.
The daughter of Lance and Colette Murphy, Athletic excellence runs deep in the Murphy family. Alexis’s sister, Leea, continued the family’s tradition of success by playing soccer at the University of North Carolina and helping the Tar Heels capture a national championship while her mom, Colette played softball at the University of Kansas.
Whether on the track, on the football field, or in the classroom, Alexis Murphy represented Apex High School with distinction. Her achievements, leadership, and lasting impact on the Cougar community make her a truly deserving member of the Apex High School Hall of Fame.
