Mary Earps - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Mary Alexandra Earps, known widely as Mary Earps, was born on 7 March 1993, in Nottingham, England. She demonstrated a passion for the sport at a young age and started her amateur career from an early age, primarily playing as a goalkeeper.
Amateur Career
Earps began her club career at Leicester City, where she spent time in the youth academy before moving on to the senior squad. Despite her youth, she stood out for her technical abilities and strong leadership on the field. When she was just 17, she moved on to play for Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2011 but didn't spend much time there.
Transition to Professional Career
After leaving Doncaster Rovers Belles, Earps had a short spell at Birmingham City in 2012 before moving to Bristol Academy (later became Bristol City W.F.C) in 2013. It was during her time at Bristol where she was able to make a significant impact, helping the team to reach the 2014 FA Women's Cup Final. Her performance caught the attention of recruiters and led to further opportunities.
Move to Reading
Earps joined Reading in 2016 where she made a handful of appearances over two seasons. Despite her limited time on the pitch, she demonstrated her agility and quick reflexes, cementing her reputation as a top goalkeeper on the rise.
International Career
Based on her impressive performances, Earps was called up to represent England in various age classifications. She made her senior debut for England in 2017 in a friendly match against Switzerland. She was part of the England squad that participated in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, serving as the country's second-choice goalkeeper.
Manchester United
In 2018, Earps elevated her career by signing a contract with Manchester United. From then on, her career has taken an exponential rise, as she became one of the leading goalkeepers in England. Her performances for the team earned her a place in the UWCL (UEFA Women’s Champions League) Team of The Season in 2020.
Move to VfL Wolfsburg
In 2019, Earps made another significant leap by joining German powerhouse VfL Wolfsburg. She became the team's number one goalkeeper and has continued to deliver strong performances, helping the team reach the 2020 UEFA Women's Champions League final and winning the DFB-Pokal Frauen in the same year.
Playing Style
Earps is renowned for her vocal presence, agility, and quick reflexes. As a goalkeeper, she is proficient in shot stopping and cross handling. Her ability to effectively organize defense and make critical saves has made her an integral part of any team she has played with.
Personal Life
Away from football, Mary 'Alex' Earps is believed to be a private individual who keeps her personal and family life discrete from her professional footballing career. However, what is evident is her deep love and passion for the sport, which she robustly exhibits in every game she plays.
Accomplishments and Legacy
Mary Earps has made her mark in football as one of England's top goalkeepers. Throughout her career, she has played for several top football clubs and represented England in international competitions. She was part of the England squad that qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and was part of the UWCL Team of the Season in 2020. With her playing years still ahead of her, it is anticipated that Earps will continue to create an even deeper legacy for herself in Women’s Football.
