Manchester City and England star Lauren Hemp has reflected on an unbelievable 2022 after she received her PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ Player of the Month award.
It is the second time she has been awarded the accolade, the first coming in October 2022 after a formidable start to the season for the striker. Despite increased media attention on the women’s game, the 22-year-old confessed her shock at being a role model so early in her career.
As she accepted the award, Hemp said: “When I was younger I never thought that I would be a role model. I’ve looked up to so many people like Jill Scott and Steph Houghton who I always wanted to be like when I was older so to be recognised like that myself, it's crazy.
“I’m still young so I feel like I’m still looking up to people now."
Not many people are lucky enough to meet their role models but Hemp has played alongside hers. Both Houghton and Scott have been Hemp's teammates at City and England.
The pair were on the football scene prior to the creation of the Women's Super League and the professionalisation that has grown in the women’s game. Current club captain Houghton made her senior career debut in 2002 and was joined by Scott in 2004, with both players moving to the club from Sunderland.
Hemp now leads the way as women's football breaks into a new era following the summer success at the Euros. She added: “It’s been a pretty crazy year. I feel like we haven't had a chance to properly switch off and reminisce over how much of a fantastic year it’s been.”
Hemp played in all six games at the Euros and grabbed a goal and an assist during the tournament.
She continued: “I don't think I’ll realise for another few years how special it has been because when you’re in the moment you don’t realise how big [of an achievement] it is.
“With the Euros win in the summer then going straight back to club football, you don’t get time to think about how much has happened and how big it will be for the future of women’s football.”
Hemp continues to deliver for her club, contributing two goals and two assists in the nine games she has played so far this season as City sit fourth in the Women’s Super League.
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