Murray Proud and Privileged To Play For Hibs

Hibernian Women’s Captain Joelle Murray, admits it has been a rollercoaster of emotions playing for Hibs, but an experience she wouldn’t change for the world. 

Joelle will call time on her playing career with the Club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, bringing an end to her career which has seen her make over 500 appearances for Hibernian Women to date. 

The 37-year-old has won everything with her childhood Club – including two league titles, seven Scottish Cups and five League Cups – breaking barriers both on and off the pitch in the Women’s game over the last 20 years. 

Speaking to hibernianfc.co.uk after announcing her retirement, Joelle explained how honoured she was to play for Hibs.

“Every time I have pulled on the strip it has been a proud and privileged moment. There have been many stand-out moments, stand-out games and occasions during my career. 

“From leading the team out against Bayern Munich at Easter Road, to breaking numerous women’s attendance records, to the double Cup win in 2016 that coincided with the Men’s Scottish Cup Win – there have been so many special moments.  

“All the players, all the staff members, all the coaches and everyone who I have met along the way – we have all shared a fantastic journey with lots of highs and lots of lows. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. 

“I can’t thank the Club enough for giving me the platform to do what I have been doing over the last 20-odd years and all the people I have met along the way.”

Joelle admitted that she wanted to retire on her ‘own terms’, detailing the reasons behind her decision to bring to an end a playing career that has lasted over two decades.

“This has been a decision that I have considered for a while now. Although I feel I am still able to compete on a matchday, the lead-up to a matchday is now more difficult and demanding on the body. 

“From a mental perspective, I have been following a routine for over 20 years now and it is something that has run its course now and have had the internal and external pressures to be ready and perform at my optimum, that in itself is very mentally challenging.

“I am happy to bow out on my terms – when I am still able to compete – I didn’t want to be a player that is just involved for the sake of it - I wanted to be in control of my retirement and not have the game retire me.

“So both, physically and mentally I feel it is the right time for me to bow out of the game and hope I've left it in a better place than I found it."

Whilst Joelle is hanging up her playing boots, she will continue to inspire the next generation with her work with the Club and will join Grant Scott’s backroom team for the 2024/25 season onwards. 

Joelle's final match for Hibs will take place on Sunday 19 May against Celtic at Celtic Park.