Julie Murray is one of Australia’s best female footballers. From early in her playing career, Julie showed a strong talent for the sport.
This was first recognised by the selectors of the ACT Open Women’s team, when Julie was aged 13. This was followed by her selection in the Australian Women’s Matildas team at 15, a position which she held for the majority of her career. Julie’s representation of the ACT spanned a period of 10 years, playing in the U/15, U/17 and Open levels.
Julie’s skill and understanding were again recognised when she was chosen as captain of the Matildas at the 1995 and 1999 FIFA World Championships, and again at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, along with numerous other international games and championships.
Julie’s international playing career took a leap in 1990, when she became the first Australian female player to receive a professional playing contract, signing with Fortuna Hjorring in Denmark.
Perhaps Julie’s greatest season was in 2001 at the San Jose CyberRays. Julie competed in the first series of the USA professional women’s league, and scored the winning goal in the penalty shoot-out in the grand final, making the CyberRays inaugural WUSA Premiers. Julie was the top goal scorer for the CyberRays in 2001, and was named the Most Valuable Player for the season.
In 2001, Julie was nominated for the Best Female Soccer Player at the 10th Excellence in Sports Performance Year Awards (ESPY) along with other female football greats including Mia Hamm.
Other major awards Julie has received include: the Julie Dolan Medal for the national league player of the year and International Player of the Year in the 1998/99 Australian Women’s NSL; and named in the inaugural FIFA World All Stars team in 1999. In 2005, Julie received the highest honour bestowed to a football player, being appointed as a FIFA Ambassador for women’s football.
At the time of her retirement in 2002, Julie had played 67 international games and scored 19 goals. She is well respected amongst the football community and the ACT community alike for the outstanding talent and sportsmanship she demonstrated throughout her career.
FOOTBALL
Born: 28 April 1970
Inducted: 2005
Full member