Wellington Phoenix academy defender Emily Humphrey has earned a sporting scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.
The centre back joined the Phoenix in late 2022, and has since established herself as a key member of the women’s reserves side competing in the National League.
Humphrey has also earned international honours along the way, including featuring twice for New Zealand at the 2024 U17 World Cup, and being part of the Ferns side that won the OFC U16 Nations Cup in 2023.
She will finish up at the academy this week before travelling to California, where the NCAA season will begin in early August.
UC Berkeley’s football team, known as the Golden Bears, is one of the top programmes in the college system, having qualified 28 times for the NCAA women’s football tournament.
The school has also produced a number of professional players, including former Phoenix attacker and Football Fern Betsy Hassett.
Head of female academy and women’s reserves coach Callum Holmes is thrilled for Humphrey to have earned the move.
‘We are delighted to see Emily take the next steps in her football journey in the US,” he said.
“Joining the prestigious UC Berkeley is a great achievement.
“Our job is to provide pathways to young players in NZ and the US college system is a great step for many players.
“As the academy continues to grow and get stronger, we will see more players taking opportunities outside of the football club.
“It is a great way for players to continue their football development, and one of the pathways that we are able to offer players here at the academy.”
Wingback Rebekah Trewhitt has also left the academy, joining Lewes AFC in the FA Women’s National League South, the third tier of English football.
Cover photo credit: Cam McIntosh/Photomac