Longhorn Hall of Honor: Eva (Murray) Franco
Nov. 6, 2012
Taylor Ellis, Texas Media Relations 
Eva (Murray) Franco gained more than just records and accolades during her time at The University of Texas. In fact, she achieved what UT Athletics aspires to pass along to all of its student-athletes -- a world-class athletic and educational experience that impacted (Murray) Franco later in life. (Murray) Franco, who played volleyball for UT from 1983-86, was a first-team All-American and Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1986. She also graduated with a degree in education and has been teaching in some capacity for more than 20 years. Franco spent her first 10 years teaching elementary school. She has worked as the physical education and health teacher at Naumann Elementary School in Cedar Park, Texas for the past 13 years. "God has blessed me with some natural athletic ability, but even more so, with the desire and determination to work hard and become the best I could be. I am hoping to make a positive difference in those I have an opportunity to work with," (Murray) Franco said. "I try to make class super fun with lots of variety in activity. I share my love of sports and fitness with the students, so they will want to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle as they grow." Franco is also a certified Group Fitness Trainer and teaches adult fitness classes at Lifetime Fitness. Franco says that her time at UT helped her to find her love for fitness and giving back. (Murray) Franco has implemented many programs to create a proactive fitness lifestyle for children and adults alike. She runs a summer conditioning program for middle and high school volleyball players and gives private volleyball lessons, sharing her expertise and love of fitness with younger girls. "My experience playing volleyball at UT led to my love of fitness," (Murray) Franco said. "When you have a gift, it is important to share it and give back to your community. You never know what kind of an impact you will make in the long run." (Murray) Franco was selected to the Southwest Conference's All-Decade Team for the 1980's and holds UT's single-season record with 1,596 assists set in 1984. She led the Longhorns to the Final Four her senior year. In her time at UT, Franco recorded 163 service aces, which still ranks fourth on UT's career charts. Franco is amazed to be included in what she calls a superior class of athletes. "I feel honored and humbled to be inducted into the UT Women's Athletics Hall of Honor," she said.
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