ASU Soccer: Jemma Purfield and Graham Winkworth’s special bond

(Photo: Nick Badders/WCSN)

The relationship between player and coach is oftentimes a special one, but for Arizona State Soccer head coach Graham Winkworth and junior forward Jemma Purfield, their relationship is more than that.

Both hailing from across the pond, Winkworth and Purfield have known each other for a while. Winkworth was making an effort to recruit her to play at the University of South Alabama, and went to see Purfield, already a professional and England Youth National Team member, play at her club’s FA cup match.

“Her team was awful that day, but she was a standout player on that occasion,” Winkworth said. “She showed me glimpses of what she’s capable of doing. It was when I went and watched her play and got to know her… That’s when I really upped my interest.”

For Purfield, the idea of playing in the states was something that had been on her radar for some time. Having capped for her country at the U-17 and U-19, she saw playing in the states as a way to expand her game.

“It’s a different approach to soccer out here. There’s more of an athletic emphasis, which is probably what I needed to enhance my game.”

Her game is one that brought her immediate success under Winkworth. Purfield garnered Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2015 and followed that up by winning Sun Belt Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.

Winkworth had his own success at the helm of the Jaguar team. He took over what was a subpar program in 2013 and proceeded to turn the program into a perennial tournament team. Under his watch the Jaguars notched four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and had at least one player win a conference player of the year award every season.

The time came for Winkworth to move on and he credited ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson amongst others for making the move possible.

“It was the people number one, and I wanted to coach at the highest level and I believe that Arizona State has the ability to become the number one team in the nation.”

As Winkworth left for Tempe, Purfield was faced with the choice of staying with South Alabama, where she had two very successful seasons, or follow the coach that recruited her to Tempe.

“He said ‘I want you to come with me. I know there’s not a new coach at South Alabama yet, but the offer is there if you want it.’” Purfield said about the process of transferring. “It was one I had to think about because as much as I love Graham as a coach, I also was successful at my old school.”

Purfield, who Winkworth said had her eye on playing in the Pac-12, opted to take a visit to ASU to see for herself.

“I saw the facilities and I saw the girls, and it just seemed like an amazing place,” Purfield said. “To be playing in the Pac-12 with some of the top teams in the country was definitely how I was going to get better.”

After arriving in Tempe in June, Purfield has since fit right in with her teammates. Throughout the young season she has emerged as a vocal leader on the field.

Her skills as a vocal leader have not gone unnoticed by anyone in the program. Winkworth credits her communication as a big part of what has made her transition so smooth. Senior defender and team captain Madison Stark, who is Purfield’s roommate, has enjoyed playing with her this year has noticed Purfield stepping up as well.

“It’s been awesome playing with Jem,” Stark said. “A great person on and off the field, impeccable character, extremely professional. I think Jem has the potential to lead this team like she has this year and in her next couple of years.”

Purfield was quick to praise Winkworth with her development as a player. Crediting both his skills as a motivator and also an x’s and o’s coach as part of her growth.

“He believes in me, and it’s that belief that drives you and makes you know that you can be at this level.” Purfield said. “He’s great with his video analysis. He does a lot of stuff behind the scenes that people don’t see.”

Winkworth is sure the talent Purfield possesses will take her far in life. Entering his third season coaching the budding star, he has high hopes for her future.

“The next step is to be successful in the Pac-12 and position herself to play professional soccer whether it’s in America or overseas,” Winkworth said. “She’s got that ability and I have no doubt in my mind that it’s going to happen.”

If and when Jemma Purfield goes turns professional, it’ll be her work ethic that got her there. Winkworth and her teammates alike praise the way she carries herself in practice and in games. When asked what she thought her next step is, she had a simpler answer.

“I just want to help the team. I want to win games and see how we can do in the Pac this year.”

Thinking more long term Purfield plans to build on her national team experience.

“I do want to be drafted eventually, and I want to go back home and play for the England Senior National Team,” Purfield said.

In Winkworth eyes Purfield has the talent, the character, and the work ethic to get her to the pinnacles of the soccer world. And with two seasons in Tempe before the next step happens, the relationship between the two of them will continue to grow.