It’s Maggie Murphy’s first year of university-level basketball, and she is playing 2,400 km away from home. Murphy is from Thunder Bay, Ont., but calls Fredericton home, too.
“At first when I heard about it I thought it was really far,” said Murphy. “But as soon as I came there was no question that Fredericton would feel just like home.”
When Murphy was playing on a club team, she found herself working with Jon Kreiner, the former coach of the St. Thomas women’s basketball team. He recommended she check out the program. She then got in contact with head coach Fred Connors and scheduled a time for her to come see the team.
“I toured the campus, watched them play Kings and MSVU, and just feel in love with Fredericton.”
When Murphy came she didn’t know about team’s success. When she found out about the recent ACAA championships and performance at nationals, it made her want to come even more.
“I didn’t commit because of that, but when I came here I was like, wow, this is going to be a good year. We’re a good team and it’s going to be nice to be able to play with players that are so well-developed.”
That trip was her first time being in New Brunswick. Murphy had played the occasional tournament in Halifax, but had never been to Fredericton. Her family came with her to see the school, and they were on the same page as her.
“They were super supportive of me. They wanted what was best for me and they both came to visit STU when I did, so they realized how awesome the coaching staff, team and community was at the same time I did.”
When she came back to Fredericton in August, she had no problem adjusting to her new home.
“As soon as I got here I was like, ‘Okay Mom and Dad I’m ready to stay,’” said Murphy. “It was just easy for me.”
She talks to her family every day. Her parents have made the trip to see a few games already and will be going to see playoffs in Truro at the beginning of March. All her other games they watch online.
When her parents seem especially far away, she has her basketball family to keep her company.
“It’s like a family here,” said Murphy. “Our team, they’re all my sisters. If I ever need anything I go stay at a teammate’s house … It’s really easy.”
Murphy started playing basketball in the seventh grade. That time it was one of her friends who was told to try out.
“One of the university basketball players asked my friend to go to a try out and my friend asked me so I went with her,” said Murphy. “And my cousins and brother played so I wanted to because they did.”
Eight years and 2,400 km later, Murphy is part of a nationally-ranked team. She loves Fredericton and the experiences she’s had here.
“It’s super safe, everything is within walking distance. In the summer and fall time it was super pretty downtown by the walking bridge.”
The longest she’s been away before living here was a week, also for basketball. She looks forward to seeing her parents at playoff time, but six months after coming to St. Thomas, she doesn’t regret it.
“Everyone on the team is so well-developed that we all just gel together. It’s easy,” said Murphy. “This is my family. This is where I want to be.”
