Samantha Leshnak Murphy

Samantha Leshnak Murphy (; born April 21, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Campeonato Nacional Feminino club Braga. She played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels and previously played professionally in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for North Carolina Courage, in the Besta deild kvenna for Keflavík ÍF, in the Damallsvenskan for Piteå IF and FC Rosengård, and in the USL Super League for Carolina Ascent.

College career As a sophomore in 2016, Murphy served as the backup goalkeeper, appearing in just four games.

In her junior year, Murphy became the only scholarship goalkeeper on the roster, starting all 22 games.

During her senior season, Murphy was UNC’s starting goalkeeper and set a program record with a 1,119-minute scoreless streak. She finished with a 14-1-1 record with six solo shutouts. In the NCAA quarterfinals against UCLA, she made crucial penalty shootout saves, becoming just the third Tar Heel goalkeeper in history to win a shootout.

Club career In April 2019, Murphy signed as a goalkeeper replacement with North Carolina Courage.

Murphy received national attention at a match against the Portland Thorns FC in June 2020. At this match, Murphy chose not to kneel during the national anthem which drew praise and criticism on social media.

Murphy joined Piteå IF on January 13, 2023, signed by the club to replace departing goalkeeper Mandy Haught.

On February 14, 2025 it was announced she had signed with Carolina Ascent.

Murphy returned to Sweden in July 2025, signing for FC Rosengård.

On 6 July 2026, Murphy joined Portuguese Campeonato Nacional Feminino side S.C. Braga.

Personal life She attended Mount Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In June 2019, she married her husband, Kyle Murphy.

Honors

Carolina Ascent USL Super League Players' Shield: 2024–25

North Carolina Courage NWSL Championship: 2019 NWSL Shield: 2019