Still A Raider, Olympic Gold Medalist Abbey Murphy Returns To Most Holy Redeemer

EVERGREEN PARK, IL —Just ten years ago, Abbey Murphy was an eighth-grader wearing a plaid skirt at Most Holy Redeemer School, but on Tuesday, she returned to her old school as an Olympic hockey star wearing a gold medal.

More than 350 students, teachers and staff cheered wildly as the U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic star strode into the Most Holy Redeemer gymnasium. Murphy shared stories from her incredible career and inspired the next generation of hockey lovers and future Olympians.

“Once a Raider, always a Raider,” Murphy said, referring to the school’s pirate mascot. “Never give up on your dreams because you could have a gold medal just like one day.”

Murphy took questions from the students, who asked about goals scored during her past season with the University of Minnesota Gophers (38 in 30 games), the number of goals she scored during the Olympics (she thinks it was four), and if she liked chicken nuggets. Another kid wanted to know if her gold medal fell apart.

She’s excited over the prospect of getting drafted by a team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. And no, she wasn’t able to make actor Stanley Tucci’s lunch for the women’s hockey team (the reporter’s question, not the kids).

“Some of my best memories are playing sports at Most Holy Redeemer,” Murphy told the students. “I played volleyball, basketball, and hockey for the St. Jude Knights. Play as many sports as you can because it will pay off. Stick to your plan.”

Students told Patch they found Murphy inspirational.

“I think she’s really nice and deserved a gold medal,” Charlie said.

“She’s inspired us,” Quinn said. “Girls can do anything boys can.”

“She inspires us to do anything we want to do, and we can do it,” Olivia said.

Father Tom Hurley, pastor of Most Holy Redeemer, led the students in a blessing for Murphy. She also signed her Olympic hockey jersey that will be framed and hung on the wall of honor in the gym.

The Evergreen Park native was in town visiting her family for a few days before returning to Minnesota to tie up some loose ends at college. Julie Hopkins, director of admissions at MHR, said school officials just learned of Abbey’s visit to her hometown the day before and quickly organized a school assembly.

Murphy said visiting her old school was a special moment.

“I just think about what hockey has done for me and what it's given me. You see all the support from the South Side and from everyone who’s been along the journey. Coming back here and looking at all these kids with all their smiles looking up to you,” Murphy said. “That’s something that will forever stay with me. Someone can show them a gold medal and tell them you can do whatever you want as long as you put your mind to it. There are a lot of memories at Most Holy Redeemer.”