Casey Murphy Bio
Casey Grace Murphy is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Boston Legacy FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Murphy played college soccer for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, twice earning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and All-American honors. She began her professional career with Montpellier in 2018 before entering the NWSL with Reign FC and then joining the Courage in 2021. Murphy made her senior debut for the United States in 2021. She was included on the squad that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Casey Murphy was born on April 25, 1996, in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Michael and Jill Murphy and has a brother. Murphy began playing soccer at the age of five and transitioned to playing exclusively as a goalkeeper around the age of ten. She attended Bridgewater-Raritan High School, where she also played basketball. During her high school years, she trained with the Players Development Academy (PDA) Slammers, part of the Elite Clubs National League, and won a U17 national championship. Murphy was recognized as a top youth player, rated as the No. 18 overall youth player in New Jersey by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
Path to Soccer
In 2014, Casey Murphy chose to attend Rutgers University, where she played NCAA Division I soccer for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights until 2017. She redshirted her final year to compete in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Throughout her collegiate career, Murphy earned numerous accolades, including the Female Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2018, and was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year twice. With 45 clean sheets, she is Rutgers’ all-time leader for career shutouts and ranks second in Big Ten history.
Casey Murphy Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Casey Murphy began her professional career when she was selected by Sky Blue FC with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Shortly after, she signed a professional contract with Montpellier HSC in France’s Division 1 Féminine. Murphy made her professional debut on February 21, 2018, against Fleury and started 11 games in her first season, earning the Division 1 Best Keeper Award and being named to the league’s Best XI. She continued to excel in her second season, playing every minute and helping Montpellier secure a third-place finish.
Breakthrough (2021-2025)
On May 15, 2019, Murphy signed with Reign FC, where she made her NWSL debut on May 27, 2019, against the North Carolina Courage. In her first NWSL season, she kept six clean sheets in 19 starts and was a finalist for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. After a brief stint during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Murphy was traded to the North Carolina Courage on October 22, 2020. She signed a two-year contract and had a standout 2021 season, starting all but one match and recording 11 clean sheets. Murphy continued her impressive performance in 2022 and 2023, helping the Courage reach the playoffs and winning the Challenge Cup final in 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
Casey Murphy’s signature achievements include being named the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year twice during her college career and winning a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has maintained a strong presence in the NWSL, with notable performances leading to her recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the league.
Casey Murphy Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Casey Murphy has received several nominations for her outstanding performances, particularly during her college years and in the NWSL.
Casey Murphy Awards Won
Casey Murphy has won multiple awards, including the Female Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2018 and the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year title in both 2015 and 2016.
Casey Murphy Family
Casey Murphy is married to Chris Mirabelli, a track and field athlete. The couple became engaged in 2021 and married in December 2023 in Philadelphia. She is the daughter of Michael and Jill Murphy.
Personal Life
While at Rutgers, Casey Murphy began dating Chris Mirabelli. Their relationship blossomed during their time in college, leading to their engagement and subsequent marriage. Murphy maintains a private personal life, focusing on her professional career and athletic achievements.
