STATESBORO - Giving back to the community is one of the yearly goals for the Georgia Southern men's soccer program. The Eagles surpassed even their lofty goals in 2020-21, ranking first among NCAA Division I men's soccer AND overall men's DI programs in community service, according to the Helper Helper community service app.
The men's soccer team logged 980 hours across the 2020-21 academic year, volunteering with several important endeavors that included the Stand Up To Cancer project, the America's Second Harvest food bank of Coastal Georgia and the Feeding America project, the annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes outing and the Charity Ball project, that provides soccer balls to children in underdeveloped areas across the globe. Some of these projects were initiated and organized by the student-athletes themselves such as captain Jack Philip (Stand Up to Cancer and the Charity Ball).
"During a challenging year for all of us, these student-athletes excelled in the community as well as in the classroom in 2020-21," Georgia Southern Head Men's Soccer Coach John Murphy said. "With individuals like Jack Philip leading the way, our group has given much of themselves for the benefit of others this year. I would like to thank the APEX program and its leadership and guidance through Gleen Hart, Tracy Ham and Mikayla Sayle. Additionally, our SAAC leadership through Maverick Boring and Chase Winters has been exceptional; they are true student-athletes who excel on and off the field every day. We are proud of the entire team and its group effort to connect with people in Bulloch County and beyond."
Helper Helper tracks the community service efforts of more than 400 colleges and universities nationwide among all divisions. The Helper Helper platform was created by a former student-athlete to make it easier for athletic departments to help students get out in the community. Over the years, hundreds of student-athlete development professionals have shaped the platform that exists today. It's proved to enhance the student-athlete experience and take student-athlete development to the next level.
