STATESBORO - It's one of the best feelings a collegiate head coach can have - attending graduation to watch one or more student-athletes see the culmination of years of hard work pay off with a college diploma.

For Georgia Southern Head Men's Soccer Coach John Murphy, Saturday's graduation ceremony is extra special as he will join several Eagle student-athletes in walking across the stage and receiving a degree.

Coach Murphy completed his graduate course work this semester, earning his Master's Degree in kinesiology, with a coaching education concentration. Murphy completed the two-year program and now can say that he coaches at his alma mater.

"I don't know if someone gave me this advice when I was very young, but I've always tried to follow it," Coach Murphy said. "And that's to sacrifice money and time for experiences and contacts. I've been fortunate in my time as a coach to really make the most of those opportunities and the work that I put in in the short term pays dividends in the long run. The nice thing about being able to do it here at Georgia Southern is, number one, because it's a fantastic program, but number two, it helps consummate my time here. I can noew tell people I'm a Georgia Southern graduate. And if me being here isn't enough for people to understand how strongly I feel about the place, certainly me getting a degree from the institution should."

For many, earning any degree while working is a challenge, but Coach Murphy believes the sacrifices were worth it.

"In trying to get the message out about our program as an alum, you now have that closer touch to the people you're trying to impact. It was difficult take an advanced degree while you're working. But I'm very grateful to my staff during this period, as well as my wife and children. It wasn't easy, and it took up a lot of time. Sometimes on vacations, I'd be with my laptop doing grad work. But my feelings for Georgia Southern are very strong, and I think this degree is adding another level to that commitment."

Coach Murphy recently completed his fourth season at the helm of the Eagles. The 2016 Sun Belt Coach of the Year recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his first head coaching job. In an already career filled with accomplishments, becoming a Georgia Southern graduate this year proves that his desire to grow, learn and teach has not diminished throughout his time in the profession.