In 2019, the Sonoma State women’s soccer team had an extraordinary season, as they went undefeated in their conference. While there are many soccer players that deserve credit for the team’s recent success, no other player seems to be getting more attention at the moment than Molly Murphy. Murphy, who has been with the women’s soccer team since 2018, has secured her place in Seawolf history by making big time plays and giving every game 100 percent since she was a freshman. With the 2020 season being canceled due to COVID-19, Murphy is back on the field and ready to make some more history. 

Originally from Pleasonton, Murphy contributed much of her efforts while playing as one of the team’s midfielders. In her first year playing in a Seawolves jersey, Murphy quickly grabbed the attention of many by accumulating four goals, one assist, and nine points, including two game winning goals against Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino. As a sophomore, she snatched a game winning goal against San Francisco State and ended the season with three assists and five points. 

“My most memorable moment so far would have to be my freshman year playing here at SSU,” said Murphy. “I ended up being the team’s leading goal scorer for Sonoma and I got honorable mention for our league, CCAA, because of that. So I thought it was really cool to be able to do that as a freshman.” 

While Murphy’s hard work and dedication toward soccer played a big part in her achieving these goals at a collegiate level, she admits that she couldn’t have made it this far by herself.

“My dad really helped me a lot just because he played soccer too at his college over at USF when he was younger,” Murphy explained. “Also my club coaches have helped a lot who have always been pushing for us to travel. That was a big game changer for me. Also probably my head coach for soccer. He helped get me into the Olympic Player Development Team back in high school for Northern California.”

Taking a year off in 2020 seems like it would throw just about any team off their game for the comeback season, but that just isn’t the case with the women’s soccer team. Sitting with an overall record of 10-2-0, the Seawolves are hoping to continue their domination in the NCAA Division II. With tougher opponents, such as Humboldt State and Chico State, coming up real soon, the lady Seawolves are  hoping to rack up more points for the season while keeping their team goals in mind. 

“Our team goals for this year, including my goals, would be to win our league this year,” announces Murphy. “We also want to be able to compete in the NCAA Tournament. So we are setting our goals high this year.” 

Murphy plays to win, and with a mindset and skillset like her’s, the women’s soccer team is sure to have an amazing season with her on their team. To stay up to date with stats and game days, head to the SSU Athletics website.