FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  The Methodist University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce Brooke Murrell as the recipient of the 2026 Mason Sykes Cup. Murrell becomes the first women's lacrosse student-athlete in department history to earn the prestigious honor.
 
Named in honor of Methodist Hall of Fame coach Mason Sykes, the award has been presented annually since 1986 to the University's top student-athlete. Selected by the Methodist head coaches, the recipient must demonstrate outstanding athletic achievement while maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
 
Murrell capped her senior season with one of the finest defensive campaigns in Methodist women's lacrosse history. She finished among the program's top five single-season marks in ground balls (2nd), caused turnovers (2nd), and draw controls (5th). Her totals of 83 ground balls, 55 caused turnovers, and 108 draw controls not only led the Monarchs but also ranked among the top marks in the USA South Athletic Conference. She also made a significant impact offensively, totaling 29 goals and 18 assists, the fourth- and third-highest totals on the team, respectively.
 
A two-year team captain, Murrell helped lead Methodist to a 13-6 record in 2026, tying for the second-most wins in a single season in program history. The Monarchs earned the No. 3 seed in the USA South Tournament and advanced to the conference semifinals for the fifth consecutive season.
 
Murrell's excellence on the field and in the classroom earned her numerous postseason accolades. She was selected First Team All-USA South for the third consecutive season while also being named a Methodist Senior Scholar-Athlete, USA South Academic All-Conference, and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree. She also graduated as the valedictorian of Methodist's nursing program.