Eagle Student-Athlete Shares Experience with A Day for Southern Campus Volunteers
8/21/2014 3:04:00 PM | General, Swimming and Diving, Athletic Foundation
Dedicated Heller earned scholarship after joining swim team as a “walk-on”
 |  |
STATESBORO, Ga. – Student-athlete Megan Heller fell in love with the Georgia Southern University campus and decided that she wanted to her continue her swimming career collegiately as an Eagle. When she arrived as a freshman, Heller was classified as a "walk-on," and set her sights on earning a scholarship. The senior from Lawrenceville, Ga., spoke to more than 50 "A Day for Southern" campus volunteers this morning about her experience as a student-athlete.
"I chose Georgia Southern because of the athletic atmosphere here," Heller said this morning prior to speaking to A Day for Southern campus campaign volunteers. "I fell in love with the campus, with the coaches, I fell in love with the whole entire Athletic Department."
At the conference championships her freshman year, she not only earned honors in the pool, but also was recognized for her work in the classroom. Athletic and academic accolades followed in each of the last two years. After her junior season last year, she was selected for the team Dedication award.
The Exercise Science major from Lawrenceville, Ga., owns the Eagles' individual record in the 100 Butterfly and contributed her part to both the University's 200 and 400 Medley Relay standards. In addition to her outstanding academic and athletic achievements, she also serves as the President of Georgia Southern's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"Earning a scholarship makes the experience better, it makes every day in practice better," Heller said. "I know it's not just me I'm not swimming for, it's for the University and for something bigger than I could ever imagine."
Funds raised through the "A Day for Southern" campaign help support Heller and more than 400 Eagle student-athletes as they represent the University, compete for championships and earn their degrees.
The 2014 "A Day for Southern" campaign is the 41st in the University's history, beginning as a local, single-day event to gather funds for programming and special projects for the institution. Last year, the campaign raised more than $2 million for the University and its programs.
The on-campus campaign for "A Day for Southern" begins today with the community-wide event set for Tuesday, September 9th.
For more information on how to give to the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, contact 912-478-5520 or visit ringsanddiplomas.com.
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability (3/3/26)
Tuesday, March 03
The GATA Zone - Women's Basketball Post Season
Tuesday, March 03
2026 Only For Southern
Thursday, February 26
2026 Georgia Southern Football Ticket Video
Wednesday, February 25
