Casey Murphy kickstarted her professional soccer journey in a rather unique fashion—something very few players, especially American-born, get to experience. After spending four years in NCAA Division I college soccer with Rutgers University’s Scarlet Knights, the Bridgewater Township, New Jersey native received an offer to play abroad, signing with French club Montpellier. European exposure, Champions League nights, and whatnot—Murphy had every reason to stay and embrace the highs and lows of the beautiful game at that level. Yet, just a couple of years later, she ended up returning to the U.S.
The biggest question on your mind would be—why, right? Well, it’s not like the 29-year-old wasn’t grateful for the opportunity. She was, every bit of it. In fact, she carried more than just emphatic memories back home after leaving the European side. A hell lot of ball knowledge that would come in handy to any talented goalkeeper like her.
“One of the things was communication,” began Casey Murphy as she explained what she learned while playing abroad, during her recent interview with former USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game podcast. “I was so used to communicating but with a back line that was all foreign. I still communicated but they didn’t understand me.”
Credits: Instagram/Casey Murphy
Unfortunately, little did the language barrier also affect her ability to comprehend her coach’s instruction. “Having a coach for the first time that I couldn’t collaborate with after every rep or game review—It was more like I had to really learn to coach myself,” revealed the 6 ft 1 goalie.
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