This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Miami (OH) chapter.
This Miami senior has worked hard but played harder throughout her four years as a RedHawk. Overcoming her freshman nerves, Erin Murphy found her passion early on in athletics, taking to the field for one sport and working the sidelines for many of Miami’s varsity athletic teams.
Hailing from Centerville, Ohio, Erin is ready to move on to the next chapter of her life where she will be pursuing her masters in sports medicine at Georgia State while working as a graduate assistant for the university’s women’s soccer team. Athletics is no longer a man’s world, and Erin is the perfect role model for young women interested in chasing a career in sports!
HC: Why did you choose Miami University?
EM: Basically I fell in love with the campus! It’s exactly what I pictured when I thought of college, and everyone I met was friendly and welcoming!
HC: What were you like as a freshman? Did you start getting involved early on, were you nervous coming here, etc.
EM: I was shy, nervous, and scared. I met a few people in my dorm first semester, but I joined the club lacrosse team on a whim. I had never picked up a stick, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made amazing friends and teammates and learned I could do whatever I put my mind too. I was also accepted into the athletic training program and became highly involved in my major and the lacrosse team.
HC: When did you realize you wanted to go into athletic training?
EM: I was a student trainer my junior and senior year in high school and I loved every minute of it. I like taking care of others and the thrill of working the sidelines on Friday nights. When I came to college I had the same feeling. I love not knowing what could happen from day to day or what will walk in the training room doors, there is always something new. I love the atmosphere and all of the different people and personalities I get to work with everyday.
HC: What has been your favorite memory working as an athletic trainer for Miami’s sports teams?
EM: I have so many, but one of the best memories I have is winning the MAC, beating Tennessee in the first round of the women’s soccer NCAA tournament and moving on to the second round to play Duke. It was an amazing team of girls that had to work through a lot and I was so proud to be a part of it that season.
HC: What will you miss most about Miami?
EM: I will miss all of my friends and the bonds with the certified athletic trainers, professors, and teams I have had over the last 4 years. I love Miami’s campus and will miss the red brick and beautiful trees here in Oxford.
HC: What would be your advice to an incoming freshman just beginning her Miami career?
EM: My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there, meet new people, play a sport you never played, take that harder class, talk to the person sitting next to you because life begins at the end of your comfort zone. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn; either way the next 4 years are a time to learn and grow as an individual so embrace them and step out of your box!
Enjoy every minute, the time goes so fast! As happy and excited as I am to be moving on I will miss my time here tremendously. You will make the best friends you will ever have. Every experience easy, hard, good, or bad will help you grow as a person, so remember that.