Steven Murray’s return to the Santa Barbara Special Olympics floor hockey team provided a big boost for the team and for Murray, too.
Murray played with the team at a tournament in Santa Maria a few weeks ago and dazzled everyone with an incredible goal.
Coach Tim Powers called it “one of the best goals I’ve ever see on any of my teams.”
Murray was recognized as the Special Olympics Athlete of the Month during Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon,
Powers said Murray broke down the court, spun around two defenders and flipped backhanded shot into the upper corner of the goal to the wild cheers of those in the crowd.
“We were all so proud because we knew how much it meant to him,” Powers said. “We really appreciate Steven’s commitment to excellence and how much he cares about doing good for the team.”
Murray felt he wasn’t doing enough for the team after his first year of playing and didn’t return for the following season.
“He felt he was letting down the team and the coaches,” Powers recalled.
The team reached out to him and let him know how much his tireless effort and competitive spirit meant more than scoring goals.
Steven’s mother, Cecilia, a coach for several Special Olympics sports teams, worked behind the scenes with her son on improving his hockey skills.
“And it really showed, especially at our last tournament in Santa Maria,” said Powers.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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