Casey Murphy’s love of soccer was kickstarted as a kid growing up in Bridgewater. “Soccer was always so much fun,” she recalls. “I loved going to practice and working hard.”
That passion fueled a drive that has elevated Murphy to international recognition.
“I remember always wanting to be the best, and once I was in high school and college, that’s when I really started to believe I could play in a World Cup one day,” she says.
Murphy’s ambitious dreams became a reality as a backup goalie on the world-renowned United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), which competed in this year’s World Cup.
Her parents, Jill and Mike, are her biggest champions. “My parents have always supported my big, bold dreams,” Murphy says. “They instilled in me a work ethic to never be complacent.”
Also in her corner is her younger brother, Kyle, a special education teacher and the head varsity wrestling coach and freshman football coach at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
“I love the relationship we have,” Murphy says about her brother. “He always has my back and his belief in me pushes me forward—especially after a mistake or loss.”
A four-year letterwinner for Bridgewater-Raritan, Murphy (Class of 2014) earned All-State when she guided the team that won the school’s first—and only—Group 4 state championship in 2013. During her All-State senior year, Murphy recorded 16 shutouts, including delivering at a crucial time when she posted five shutouts in six state tournament games.
At Rutgers, Murphy was named Big 10 Goalkeeper of the Year twice, earned All-American honors twice and was a Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Her 45 career shutouts set a program record at Rutgers. A scholar All-American and Academic All-Big Ten selection, Murphy received the elite Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2018.
Murphy was lured to the professional ranks by Montpellier, a French women's football club, after three years manning the goal at Rutgers. She climbed the ladder playing on numerous youth national teams until she reached the top of her soccer profession when she was named to the United States Women’s National Team in 2021.
During her career tending goal for the USWNT, she has posted 10 shutouts in 14 appearances.
Since 2021, Murphy has been playing professionally with the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Wherever Murphy goes, one thing is certain: all of Bridgewater will be rooting for her.
