Profile: Samantha Murphy

Samantha Murphy ’17 began her soccer journey while growing up in Aurora. Since then, the beautiful game has led her to compete at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Memphis and in August 2021, she realized her dream of playing professionally as the newest member of a team in Sweden.

“I started playing when I was really young, just like a lot of kids do, but I think what made me keep with it was that I loved the competitiveness of it and just how happy I was when on the field! Both my brothers played as well so it was something we could all do together,” Murphy says.

Reminiscing about her time as a Pickering College student, Murphy says there are two stand-out moments while on the field.

“I will never forget when I played — and was captain! — of the U12 Co-Ed Pickering College team against St. Andrew’s College, an all-boys school. Just the look of shock on their faces when they saw me walk up thinking the game was in the bag for them will stick with me forever and still makes me smile. I tore it up in that game,” she says.

Though one of her fondest memories while playing at PC was with her Senior Girls’ soccer team in fall 2014, during a national championships game at Bishop’s College School. “It was an awesome environment to play in because we were the underdogs and beat them on their home field. I’m pretty sure it was also my first championship.”

The team took home the Division II title that day.

Leaving her Pickering College roots

Murphy knew that one of her goals was to play NCAA Division I soccer, so when it came time to apply for post-secondary studies she had a plan.

“I first looked at the schools that were interested in me from seeing me play at showcase tournaments. From those schools I looked at a couple of things — which ones had the best program for my major [health studies major with a concentration in exercise, sport and movement science] and which were the top soccer schools. What drew me to choosing Memphis was the environment of the team and coaches and (fun fact!) the team also had a lot of Canadians so that was the icing on the cake for me,” she explains.

While attending University of Memphis on a “full-ride” combined athletic and academic scholarship, her passion for the sport carried through. Not only did she actively play as a forward on the school’s team, she also took on a coaching role during her off-season.

“Coaching little kids in soccer is something I love to do because it always reminds me about where I fell in love with the game,” says Murphy.

While at Memphis, Murphy was chosen by her teammates to receive a leadership award — recognizing a woman who inspires them — during Women’s History Month. “The feeling of knowing that the girls thought of me in that way was something I’ll always keep with me.”

Kicking her way to Sweden

In August 2021, Murphy turned professional and moved to Sweden where she now plays for Lidkopings FK.

“When I graduated from Memphis, I wasn’t ready to give up soccer yet, so my coach set me up with an agent who then started looking for professional opportunities for me. I hope to keep playing soccer for a couple more years and play at the highest level I can.”

Samantha had not been in Sweden very long when the Canadian women’s soccer team took on Sweden in the gold medal match at the 2021 summer Olympics in Tokyo. “I didn’t know if I should cheer throughout the game or not, but I still ended up cheering maybe a little too loudly when Canada won the gold!”

Staying connected with friends and family

Despite having been in a different country for post-secondary and currently being abroad, Murphy continues to keep in touch with close friends she has made throughout her time at Pickering College whether it’s through video chats, text messages, social media, or over the phone. “When I am home, I always try to meet up with them and before COVID-19, I would visit PC as well to see some of my past teachers - I definitely want to visit again once this whole thing clears up.”

When talking about how PC has influenced her life, Murphy expresses how the diversity at PC and learning about the multitude of cultures that exists within our halls is something that will always stand out to her. “It currently helps me now as I am surrounded by so many teammates from all over the world and am living in different countries. Maybe I will even be able to see some international friends I made at PC as I travel,” she says.

A final love letter to the sport

“Soccer has taught me so many life lessons and life skills that I will use even after I’m done playing. Winning is fun, but most of the lessons I have learned were through heartbreak and losing. Learning how to shake things off when you fail and how to come back stronger is a mental skill soccer taught me, which I continue to bring into every aspect of my life. Soccer has also given me a family away from home - friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. It has given me the opportunity to travel and see the world while still playing the sport I love; I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Eventually, Murphy hopes to attend a physical therapy school to pursue a career in that field, working with athletes.