How a U Alum Became a Pro Athlete, Engineer, and Entrepreneur
As a student-athlete at the University of Utah, Grayson Murphy excelled on the track and in the classroom. Now, as a professional athlete and emerging engineer, she’s taking her U experience to extraordinary heights—literally. As a professional mountain runner, she’s a two-time World Champion and five-time U.S. Champion. Most recently, her victory in July 2024 secured her a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in October 2025.
A 2018 graduate with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the U, success to Grayson is finding synergy in her passions—athleticism, entrepreneurship, and engineering—while thriving in each.
Grayson Murphy Finishing First in The Mountain Running World Championship.
Discovering Her Path at the U
Grayson’s path to engineering began with a childhood curiosity that fueled her desire to understand how things worked. “I constantly asked questions as a kid—probably to the annoyance of my parents,” she laughs. By high school, her love for math and science led her to STEM classes, but her love for arts and languages developed a strong creative urge in her. She began to consider how she could blend her creativity with her aptitude for math.
The answer came when she discovered engineering. At the University of Utah, she found the perfect blend of analytical problem-solving and creative thinking. “I loved my classes and realized that engineering was not only a practical degree with great career prospects, but also a way to make a positive impact on the world.”
Balancing Athletics and Academics
As a student-athlete, Grayson excelled both academically and athletically. A five-time All-American in cross-country and track, she credits the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department for their unwavering support. “They understood that my sport was just as important as my degree, and that balancing the two was crucial.”
Grayson Murphy Running for the University of Utah.
Juggling the demands of being a student-athlete with a rigorous engineering curriculum was a pivotal experience for Grayson, helping her develop the discipline and time management skills that she would later need to combine her passions for athletics, entrepreneurship, and engineering.
Sustaining a Dual Career
After graduating, Grayson’s journey took a unique turn. While most professional athletes focus solely on training, Grayson found a way to incorporate her engineering education into her life. She began working part-time for engineering firms, including Four Corners (Arizona) and the Tarr Group (Indiana), specializing in LiDAR sensing, GIS, and CAD design. The flexibility of these roles enabled her to prioritize her rigorous training schedule while staying connected to her passion for engineering.
At the same time, Grayson continued to evolve as an athlete. She discovered mountain running after graduation and quickly rose to the top of the sport, achieving global recognition as a champion.
Grayson’s drive to make a positive impact extends beyond running and engineering. She’s currently finishing her master’s degree in Natural Resources at Oregon State University. Her thesis focuses on a life cycle analysis for Recap, a company that produces biochar, a sustainable material used in eco-friendly construction. Grayson’s work aligns with her long-term passion for sustainability and green building practices. She plans to join Recap part-time after defending her thesis in March 2025.
A Creative Entrepreneur
Even with her packed schedule, Grayson found time to nurture her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, she created a personal training log and planner, which blossomed into a thriving business: Wild Strides Paper Co.
“I’ve always loved stationery, and Wild Strides allows me to combine my creative side with my connection to the endurance community,” she shares.
The business now offers a variety of products tailored to athletes, reflecting the same blend of creativity and practicality that defines Grayson’s life.
Looking Ahead
Grayson Murphy’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and balance. Whether scaling mountain peaks, designing sustainable solutions, or building a business, she continues to push boundaries. For Grayson, the future is wide open—a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and a passion for making a difference.
Grayson Murphy Mountain Running in the Himalayas.
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