Erin Murphy

My Hockey Background

My passion for hockey began at Bede’s Prep School and Lewes Hockey Club. These early experiences introduced me to the competitive and team aspects of the sport, and I quickly developed a strong ambition to improve and challenge myself. As I progressed, I was selected for the Sussex girls hockey team and played up with older teams at Bede’s.

At thirteen, I moved to Eastbourne Hockey Club and joined the women’s 1st XI in the South East Women’s Premier Division. Playing senior hockey against experienced players challenged me physically and mentally and helped me become a more confident, adaptable player. At fourteen, I was selected for Bede’s Senior School 1st XI in the Tier 1 league.

That same year, I was selected for East Grinstead Talent Academy. I represented the academy at the Talent Academy Festival in Nottingham each year from 2024 to 2026. In my final year, I was appointed captain for both the academy season and the festival. The responsibility helped me develop my leadership skills, support younger and less experienced players, and lead by example on and off the pitch.

During the 2024/25 season, I moved to East Grinstead Hockey Club and was selected for the women’s 2nd XI. We won the league in both 2024/25 and 2025/26, earning promotion to the Women’s Conference East. These seasons taught me the importance of consistency, resilience and contributing to a team over a full season. In 2026, I was invited to train and play in a friendly with the East Grinstead women’s 1st XI.

Indoor hockey has also played an important role in my development. During the 2025/26 season, I competed for East Grinstead U18 and Brighton College U18. East Grinstead won the South East Regional Indoor Finals and qualified for the National Finals in Derby, where we became 2026 U18 National Indoor Champions. The fast-paced environment strengthened my speed, decision-making, communication and ability to perform under pressure.

After leaving Bede’s Senior School following my GCSEs in 2025, I was awarded a sports scholarship to Brighton College. During the 2025/26 season, the 1st XI won the Sussex Indoor Championship and reached the regional finals. Outdoors, we reached the Tier 1 League quarter-finals and Round 4 of the ISHC Cup. I was then appointed captain of Brighton College 1st XI for the 2026/27 season.

I primarily play in midfield and am also comfortable in defence. My strengths include reading the game, connecting play across the pitch, staying calm on the ball, following the press and game plan, brave defending, block tackling, injecting and penalty-corner defence.

Why I Want to Play College Field Hockey

I want to play college field hockey in the United States because I see it as an opportunity to challenge myself and continue developing as both an athlete and a person. I want to improve my physical ability, hockey skills and overall performance while pushing myself to become the best athlete I can be.

I am attracted to the high-quality facilities and training environments within college hockey. I enjoy setting high standards, working hard and receiving constructive feedback. Being surrounded by motivated teammates and coaches in a positive, supportive and competitive environment would push me to improve while allowing me to contribute to the team.

Playing college field hockey would allow me to combine high-level sport with my education in a new environment. I am excited by the opportunity to grow, learn and push my limits both on and off the pitch.

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