Influential Woman · Sports biomechanics and exercise science
Amber Murphy, Ph.D
President and CEO, CompuSport, LLC
Waleska, GA 30183
I started as a 26-year-old mother of three with no degree, but persevered and earned my doctorate in Exercise Science at nearly 50.
Amber Murphy, Ph.D · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Amber
Dr. Amber Murphy is President and Chief Executive Officer of CompuSport, a sports biomechanics company founded by her father, Dr. Ralph Mann, an Olympic silver medalist and pioneer in sports performance research. With more than 20 years of experience in sports biomechanics and exercise science, Dr. Murphy is a respected expert who has worked extensively with collegiate athletes, elite sprinters, and professional sports organizations to improve movement mechanics, optimize performance, and reduce injury risk. Her expertise and research have contributed to the application of biomechanical principles across track and field and other sports.
Dr. Murphy’s academic and professional journey reflects exceptional persistence and dedication to lifelong learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science after becoming a mother of three, followed by a master’s degree in education and a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. She has also pursued professional certifications and affiliations within the fields of strength and conditioning, exercise science, and biomechanics. Her research has examined sprint performance, kinematic measures, sprint mechanics, and injury prevention, including published work on elite American 100-meter sprinters.
Beyond her executive leadership and research, Dr. Murphy is committed to making sports science accessible and practical for coaches and athletes. She is the author of The Science of Speed, a resource focused on sprint mechanics, injury prevention, and talent identification, designed to translate complex biomechanics research into actionable knowledge. She also contributes to the athletic community through her work with USATF, collegiate programs, and coaches and athletes at multiple levels. Dr. Murphy attributes her success to persistence, self-belief, and the determination to pursue her goals regardless of obstacles or timing, principles that continue to guide her leadership and impact in sports biomechanics.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amber
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, self-belief, and a commitment to never giving up on my goals. I have had to remain determined through many challenges, from becoming a mother of three to earning my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and ultimately my PhD when I was nearly 50. Throughout each stage of my journey, I believed in my abilities, recognized my worth, and trusted that I was capable of achieving what I set out to accomplish. My perseverance and confidence in myself have been the foundation of my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to stay persistent, believe in myself, and never allow timing or circumstances to convince me that my goals are no longer possible. I have learned that success does not always happen on a predetermined timeline, and setbacks or delays do not mean that a goal is out of reach. By remaining focused, resilient, and confident in my abilities, I can continue moving forward and pursuing the opportunities that matter most to me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to believe in themselves and not rely on others for reassurance or validation. Know your worth, recognize your intelligence and capabilities, and have confidence in what you bring to the table. Do not be intimidated by environments where you may be the only woman in the room. Whether you are entering a male-dominated classroom, workplace, or industry, remember that you belong there and are fully capable of excelling. Let your knowledge, determination, and accomplishments speak for themselves.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include limited funding for track and field, navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry as a woman, and creating opportunities to expand biomechanics into additional sports. At the same time, I see tremendous potential in collegiate athletics, particularly in using biomechanics to advance injury prevention, improve athlete performance, and support long-term health. I am also passionate about making sports science more accessible and mainstream so that athletes, coaches, and communities can better understand and apply evidence-based approaches to performance and injury prevention.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, honesty, self-respect, persistence, and a strong belief in myself. I strive to lead with compassion, support others in reaching their goals, and make science more accessible and understandable to a broader audience. I also value continuous growth, meaningful contributions, and the ability to help others succeed. Above all, family remains a central part of my life and a source of purpose and motivation.
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