By Murphy McCullough, Men’s Tennis Student-Athlete

Georgia Southern men’s tennis senior Murphy McCullough had won 11 singles matches and was a force on the doubles circuit with Santiago Suarez when the NCAA and Sun Belt canceled all 2020 spring competition due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Johns Creek, Georgia, native has been a staple in the Eagles’ lineup since coming over to Statesboro in 2016.

My name is Murphy McCullough and I am a senior from Atlanta, Georgia. It has been a long journey since I came here as a freshman. I have been through a lot of ups and downs throughout my career, but I have always felt like Georgia Southern was home. This university has given me a lot and I will forever be grateful for things I have received.

I have gained a multitude of things from this university ranging from friendships to work experience and even more importantly life lessons. One of those life lessons that I have learned has to do with resilience. I think the situation we find ourselves in right now is a testament to how important some thing like is. I can remember the moment my senior year was cut short and the emotions that came with that. I thought my career was going to be over and it was time to move on from tennis and school.

After a couple weeks passed I was notified that the NCAA would give seniors another year of eligibility and Georgia Southern would be able to fund scholarships for the returning seniors. I was ecstatic at the chance to come back and represent the university for one more year. Being able to come back and compete for championships is going to mean a lot and to finish my career the right way is also something I am looking forward.

I will be returning to further my tennis career here, but also my academic career. This situation has given me more than another year of eligibility, it has given an opportunity to further my education by attending grad school. This is something that I didn’t think would be possible and I am very excited to get to follow my passion in the classroom. It is not not very often that you get a second chance, especially in sport, and I will be taking full advantage of this opportunity. I would like to thank the Georgia Southern athletic department for being flexible and working with the student-athletes during this process. I would also like to thank anyone who is making this possible for athletes like myself to come back and compete one more time. I know this coming year will have something special in store.

Best,
Murphy