Caroline Murray Signs with Sporting JAX of USL Division One Gainbridge Super League

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of New Hampshire women's soccer alumnae Caroline Murray '16 has signed with Sporting Club Jacksonville, the United Soccer League's expansion franchise announced as the club prepares for its historic debut season in the USL Division One Gainbridge Super League, which alongside NWSL in the highest level of professional soccer in the United States.

"Caroline has adapted to many different styles and cultures over the years," said Sporting JAX head coach Stacey Balaam in the team's press release. "She is powerful, direct and can play on either wing. She is an exciting, attack-minded player who will undoubtedly cause problems for many defenders. Caroline has the mindset that she is playing every game like it's her last and you can't teach that mentality – that is sheer desire."

Murray has had an outstanding professional career which started in 2016 with Finnish team Sudet Jalkapallo. The New Canaan, Conn., native has also competed in Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. Most recently, she played for Throttur Reykjavik in Iceland, and prior to that, she was with AIK Football in the top division in Sweden.

"I'm really grateful and excited to be joining Sporting Jax!," said Murray. "I've been playing overseas since I graduated UNH and it's been my dream to play in the United States. It's something that I've been striving for my entire career. I'm especially excited that it's a new club in the league. It will be fun to be a part of creating a team culture and team identity. I've been very impressed with what they are building so far and I'm honored to be a part of it. I think because I've been playing overseas for a long time I'm also ready for some of the challenges of being a new team in a league."

"I've been very impressed with the USL Division One Gainbridge Super League," said Murray. "I've been watching a lot of the games and I have a few former teammates playing in it. When I first heard about the league, I knew very quickly that it was a league I wanted to play in. It was a huge goal of mine to get an opportunity."

"Caroline continues to amaze me!," said UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham. "She is our "iron woman" and has been developing as a professional player year in and year out. After nearly 10 years of being a pro she seems to keep getting better. She truly loves the game, and her drive is simply unmatched. Caroline is one of our true 'pioneers' here at UNH Women's soccer as she was our first professional player in our program's history. She has set a very high standard and is no doubt one of the best soccer players in the history of our program. Caroline is a wonderful human being, and we could not be more proud of how she carries herself and how she continues to represent our Wildcat Family at the highest level. So proud of you Caroline for having the courage to follow your dreams!!"

Since Caroline turned pro in 2016 at least seven other UNH women's soccer players have turned professional. "She has paved the way, and we have a feeling that there will be several more in the near future," said Welham. "We are looking forward to watching her continued progression in the game."

Murray had a stellar career at UNH with three goals and 13 assists for 19 points as she started in all 40 games during her two seasons as a Wildcat. She recorded a goal and eight assists as a senior in the 2015 season, when she garnered multiple accolades, including America East Midfielder of the Year, NSCAA Scholar All-East Region Third Team, NSCAA All-Region Third Team and NEWISA Division I All-New England First Team.

She was also selected to the America East All-Conference First Team and All-Academic Team. Murray led the conference in assists and her 10 points ranked second on the team.

In her first year as a Wildcat, Murray recorded two goals and five assists as UNH won the America East tournament title when she scored the game winning goal to give UNH their first women's soccer championship in school history. She was selected to the NSCAA All-East Academic Third Team, NEWISA All-New England Second Team, America East All-Conference Second Team and AE All-Championship Team.

"I'm very thankful for my time at UNH and especially Steve Welham and Michelle Bronner and everything they did for me," said Murray. "They are the two people who make that program a great one. I'm always so proud to have played for UNH and I'm excited to see more Wildcats in the professional ranks!"

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