By R.L. Bynum
Jaelynn Murray Burrus’ Carolina story has already taken her from player to captain, from graduate student to staff member, and now into one of the program’s key leadership roles at a pivotal moment in college athletics.
After three years on North Carolina’s women’s basketball staff as assistant director of recruiting operations, Murray Burrus was elevated Thursday to Director of Women’s Basketball, giving the former Tar Heel forward an expanded role in a program she has helped shape from multiple vantage points.
She joined UNC’s staff in July 2023 after a playing career in which she appeared in 81 games, made 31 starts and served as a team captain as a redshirt senior in 2021–22, when Carolina reached the Sweet 16.
For Coach Courtney Banghart, the promotion was as much about trust and continuity as it was about the title.
“Jaelynn is one of the easiest hires I’ve ever made in over 20 years as a head coach,” Banghart said. “I watched as she handled adversity and change as a player and benefited immensely from her leadership as a member of our staff. She is an elite human with contagious energy and an uncompromising work ethic.”
That adversity was part of Murray Burrus’ path as a Tar Heel. A 6–2 forward from Columbia, S.C., she arrived from Dreher High School as the 2016–17 Gatorade South Carolina Player of the Year after averaging 23.9 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals as a senior and leading Dreher to two state championships.
She made an immediate impact at UNC, starting 29 of 31 games as a freshman in 2017–18 and averaging 4.1 points and 5.2 rebounds while ranking second on the team with 28 blocked shots.
Murray Burrus played 30 games as a sophomore, then missed the 2019–20 season after suffering a knee injury in UNC’s second exhibition game. She returned to play in five games in 2020–21 and 15 more in 2021–22, contributing as a veteran leader on a team that advanced to the NCAA tournament’s second weekend.
Across her UNC career, she totaled 216 points, 265 rebounds, 42 assists and 48 blocks.
Her influence grew through the way she handled injury, changing roles and the demands of a new era for Carolina women’s basketball. As a senior captain, she helped set the tone for a team that reestablished UNC nationally. As a staff member, she has worked behind the scenes in recruiting and operations as the Tar Heels continued to build momentum.
“She is one of our great Tar Heels, and it’s only fitting that she now steps into this important role of Director of Women’s Basketball at this unique time in college athletics,” Banghart said. “She will continue to lead us with consistency, integrity, and the highest level of care. Simply put, to know Jaelynn is to be impacted by her.”
Murray Burrus said the promotion gives her another chance to serve a program that has defined much of her adult life.
“There is truly no better place to be than Carolina,” Murray Burrus said. “I am tremendously grateful for all Coach Banghart has done for me as a player and as a professional, and excited to continue to elevate the level of this program.”
Her move continues the former-player presence on UNC’s staff. Also on the staff is a former teammate for three seasons, Liz Roberts, who serves as the program’s general manager.
Murray Burrus also built a strong academic record at UNC, earning her bachelor’s degree in information science in May 2021 before completing a master’s degree in educational innovation, technology and entrepreneurship through the UNC School of Education. She represented the team on UNC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll during her playing career.
Murray Burrus came to Chapel Hill as a highly regarded recruit, stayed through injuries and transition, became a captain on a Sweet 16 team, and returned to help build the next era of the program. Now, in a larger leadership role, she remains what Banghart has long valued her to be, a Tar Heel shaped by the program and trusted to help lead it forward.
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(UNC is one below the 15-player limit)
| Year | No. | Players | Pos. | Height | |
| Freshman | 11 | Kate Harpring | PG | 5–10 | |
| Freshman | 52 | Noelle Bofia | F | 6–4 | |
| Sophomore | 3 | Gabby White — W | G | 5–10 | |
| Sophomore | 7 | Nyla Brooks | W | 6–1 | |
| Sophomore | 26 | Taissa Queiroz | G | 6–1 | |
| Junior | 34 | Blanca Thomas | C | 6–5 | |
| Junior | 1 | Jordan Zubich | G | 5–11 | |
| RS junior | 21 | Ciera Toomey | F | 6–4 | |
| RS junior | 4 | Laila Hull | W | 6–1 | |
| Senior | 5 | Sophie Burrows — X | G | 6–2 | |
| Senior | 8 | Achol Akot — Y | F | 6–1 | |
| Senior | 10 | Reniya Kelly | G | 5–7 | |
| Senior | 15 | Sydney Barker | G | 5–6 | |
| Graduate | 13 | Chloe Clardy — Z | G | 5–9 |
W — Virginia transfer; X — Syracuse transfer; Y — Oklahoma State transfer; Z — Stanford transfer
Former players who entered transfer portal
| Player | Class next season | Pos. | Hgt | Next school |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elina Aarnisalo | Junior | G | 5–10 | UCLA |
| Lanie Grant | Junior | G | 5–9 | TCU |
| Taliyah Henderson | Sophomore | W | 6–1 | Clemson |
| Liza Astakhova | Sophomore | G | 6–2 | BYU |
Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics Communications
