Cheryl Murray

40 Faces of the J

#3 Cheryl Murray

Member for 12 Years

"At the JCC, my focus is wellness — both physical and social."

"When I moved to Charlotte in 2008, I didn’t immediately find my way to the Levine JCC. It wasn’t until years later, during a Queen City tennis match in 2014, that I first stepped onto campus.

I was playing for a competing team at the time, but what I discovered that day left a lasting impression.

I enjoyed the match, connected with JCC tennis players, and was impressed by the facility overall. But what truly stood out to me wasn’t just the tennis courts — it was the sight of swimmers in the outdoor Star Pool in late September. The weather was warm, and seeing people swimming outside felt like an invitation to something special.

I remember thinking I wanted to dive right in and join them.

Not long after, I became a member and I’ve been deeply connected to the J ever since.

I’m a retired U.S. Navy Commander, and I spent 20 years serving as an Aeronautic Engineering Duty Officer in Maintenance. My passion for growth and challenge didn’t stop with retirement. I’m an avid linguist who has studied ten foreign languages, and I hold advanced degrees in Applied Linguistics, including both a master’s and a PhD.

At the JCC, my focus is wellness — both physical and social.

I’ve played on the JCC A tennis team for the past five years, and my husband, Jonathan Murray, and I take weekly lessons from Bob Allensworth. Together, we’ve made significant progress in our games, and the J has become a cornerstone of our shared routine and healthy lifestyle.

Swimming is another daily commitment. I swim every day, either at the JCC or at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center and my dedication has taken me all the way to the world stage. In 2017, I won first place in the 800-meter freestyle at the FINA World Masters Championships in Budapest for my age group. I also earned second place in the 200-meter butterfly, 400-meter freestyle, and 400-meter individual medley.

Much of my training preparation happened right here in the Star Pool.

Now, I’m looking ahead to the future with excitement, planning to return to Budapest in 2027 for another World Masters Championship and I hope to go with several fellow JCC members."

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