REDS Land Back Murphy

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS are naming fullback Isabella Murphy, from Peterborough, ON, as the first member of their recruiting class of 2025.

Murphy, currently a Grade 12 student at Peterborough’s St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We’re excited to welcome Isabella to our REDS team as our first recruit for the 2025 season,” said REDS’ head coach and 2024 AUS Coach of the Year Jon Crossland. “It didn’t take long to tell that Isabella and her family felt at home at UNB during their visit.” 

Murphy grew up playing soccer in Peterborough before making the jump, in 2023, to the Ontario Player Development League and Durham FC.

In 2024-25, Murphy is with Durham’s team in Ontario’s League 1 Reserve.

With Durham, Murphy was named an all-star at the 2024 E & E showcase event, in Halifax.

A multi-sport athlete, she’s competed in seven Ontario high school championships, including soccer, cross country, basketball, and track and field.

“I’m a hardworking and disciplined athlete and a physical player,” said Murphy. “I’m strong on the ball, focused on protecting the net and unafraid to take risks. I like to think I’m a leader on and off the field.”

“We see Isabella as a versatile player that can play across the backline for our group,” said Coach Crossland. “She’s a strong, physical player that competes hard, which you want in your backs. On top of that, she has strong individual defending skills and will fit in well with our expectations of attack we have from our backs. Isabella fit in well with our group during her visit, and UNB and Fredericton checked all the boxes for her in terms of sport, academics and community.”

Murphy has set short and long-term goals for her time as a RED.

“I want to support the REDS in winning seasons, contribute to the team during all years of eligibility, and reach my potential as a student-athlete,” she said.

Murphy will pursue a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: Submitted