STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Connor Murray was coaching swimming on Long Island after his 2012 graduation from Stony Brook University when he began to crave a larger purpose.

"I just felt something was missing," said Murray, a former America East All-Academic Team honoree while swimming breaststroke for the Seawolves. "I knew I needed to fill the void inside me."

He decided to apply his swimming prowess to serve his country. Murray enlisted in the U.S. Navy after speaking with a recruiter in Patchogue.

"He said I was perfect for one of their higher programs," Murray recalled. "So he asked me if I was interested in becoming a helicopter rescue swimmer."

Murray, who earned a bachelor's degree in history from Stony Brook, originally had intended to become a lawyer. He took the LSAT, but with the job market thin for attorneys due to the recession, the Naval opportunity proved particularly enticing.

"Hell yeah I'm interested," he told the recruiter.

Murray completed physical screening tests and was on his way to a military career.

After enlisting in April 2013, he served in the Middle East as well as domestically, including aiding Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston. 
 
"We were kind of like a jack of all trades unit, but our main thing was search and rescue," he said. "That was our bread and butter." 
 
Murray served in the Navy for six years. Then, in September 2019, he decided to depart what he labeled the "exhausting," albeit rewarding, lifestyle.

"I deployed three times and just wanted to make the transition back into civilian life," Murray said. "I amassed all of these skills, gained almost 1,000 hours in a helicopter, and now I'm a veteran. So I said, 'What's next?'"
 
Murray began researching nursing programs that would allow him to apply his knowledge from the military. He was accepted into the Duke University nursing program, where he is currently enrolled. Murray is studying to be a flight nurse. That job entails working for an air ambulance or other medical transport service.

"I definitely found what I was looking for when I joined the military," he said. "I met some amazing people and did some incredible things. Filling the void was absolutely something I accomplished, and I don't regret a thing."

He's grateful for the Stony Brook portion of his career. As a senior, he placed 10th in the 200-yard breaststroke at the America East Championship with a time of 2:09.94.

"Since Day 1, after being recruited, I just felt that connection to Stony Brook. Being from a small town, transitioning to a university was definitely tough, but it was worth it," said Murray, a native of Rhineback, about 30 minutes north of Poughkeepsie in upstate New York. 
 
He began swimming at an early age for a local community team in his hometown.
 
"It's kind of embarrassing. I was a terrible swimmer," Murray said. "But as I kept practicing and getting better, it became more of a passion. As I got into it, I really enjoyed the competition more and eventually it turned into a lifestyle for me."