ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — We’ve hit week five of our weekly Q&A with a returning University of New Mexico women’s soccer player as we get closer to the Lobos’ season opener Aug. 18 at home against San Francisco. UNM also will host an exhibition match 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 15) against Colorado State-Pueblo.
This week we catch up with senior Casey Murphy. The Mission Viejo, California, native has played in 42 games for the Lobos, including making seven starts – all coming last season. She scored the first goal of her career in 2016 against Grand Canyon during a 2-0 victory.
Let’s catch up with Casey with this week’s Lobo 5:
What is the one thing you look forward to the most when the season gets going?
I look forward to Friday night games in front of our home crowd. The overwhelming feeling of excitement and nerves the second I step on that field is something I’ve never experienced. Playing in front of such an amazing and supportive home crowd makes the energy even better.
What is your go-to guilty pleasure show that you watch?
I’m disappointed in myself to say this but Real Housewives of OC. I’ve watched every episode. I’m from Orange County so there’s been a few times where I’ve seen a few of the moms running errands (of course wearing stilettos). I think this makes me want to watch the show even more.
What was your most nervous moment on a soccer field and why?
My first practice with the team as a freshman was the most nervous I’ve been. I remember thinking to myself, “This is nothing like club soccer.” The energy everyone brought and the competitiveness level that never seemed to die was shocking, but at the same time infectious. Seeing everyone work so hard for one another pushed me to do the same.
What is the one thing you have discovered and enjoyed the most since moving to New Mexico?
Being an environment where I experience all four seasons. California is of course beautiful, but there’s not much variation with weather. I remember my freshman year when it snowed for the first time … I think I took about 100 pictures. My roommates and I tried to build a snowman but there wasn’t quite enough snow for that so it was only about 10 inches tall, but I still loved it!
What are your plans when your soccer days at UNM are over?
I’m planning on staying another year to get my MBA. After that, hopefully get a job doing something I love. However, I would like sports and athletics to remain in my future so whether that’s sports marketing or product marketing, continuing to immerse myself in the culture is something I find important.