Smith College Athletics

Murali came to Smith as a strong tennis player and finished as one of the best, amassing over 100 career wins while being named to the All-Conference team each year during her time as a Pioneer. She began her athletic career as the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Rookie of the Year in 1995 and in the fall of 1996, Murali and Laura Beldiman '97 showed their doubles expertise by dominating New England tennis. The duo won two major titles, the Regional Rolex Doubles Tournament and the New England Women's Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament doubles championship. Murali continued Smith's national tradition by competing at the NCAA Singles Championships her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. As a junior, Murali earned All-American status and finished the year ranked No. 5 in the country. In 1999, she finished the season ranked No. 3 and received the East Region Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award. The prestigious honor is given to student-athletes who have exhibited excellence in sportsmanship, leadership, scholastic achievements, and extracurricular endeavors. Murali joined the Smith squash team in 1999 and promptly won the Wetzel Award, presented to a senior who began playing squash in college and who progressed to a high level of skill, demonstrating a sound understanding of the game and exhibiting good sportsmanship and a positive demeanor on the court. Murali served as captain and played at the No. 1 position for the 1999 squash team that finished 11th in the nation.