FEATURE: Meredith Pugh Finds Moments That Matter At Georgia Southern
10/14/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Midfielder has delivered for the Eagles on the pitch while finding friends and memories off of it
STATESBORO - Meredith Pugh's soccer story began long before she ever put on a Georgia Southern jersey. By the time she arrived in Statesboro, she already knew the sport would be a lifelong passion — and she's spent every season since proving it.
Pugh has become a staple in the Eagles' lineup, leading the team in matches started (60) and shots taken (87) among active players. She even tied the program's single-game record with 11 shots against Troy on October 5, 2025. But for her, the numbers are only part of the journey.
Finding Her Game Early
Pugh's introduction to soccer came early and naturally. "I started playing soccer when I was only 4 years old," she said. "My parents always joke that I went from crawling straight to running, so they knew they had to put me in a running sport as soon as I was old enough to play. Soccer quickly became something I loved, and I've been playing ever since."
While soccer eventually became her focus, she tried just about everything growing up. "I played a lot of different sports growing up! I started with gymnastics and soccer when I was little, and then got into rec softball and basketball," she said. "In elementary school, I played basketball and soccer at the same time and continued doing both all the way until high school, when I had to choose because of the conflicting seasons. I also participated in track for a short time in high school, and flag football became a close second to soccer, which I played my junior and senior years."
That love of competition helped her make an early decision about her future. "I decided during my freshman year of high school that I wanted to pursue soccer collegiately," Pugh said. "From there, I spent a lot of time traveling to different schools, attending ID camps and showcases, and exploring opportunities throughout the South."
Choosing Georgia Southern
Pugh's path to Georgia Southern started with a familiar face. "The first time I heard about Georgia Southern was actually through Kendall Wilson, who is now a fifth-year senior on the team and one of my closest friends," she said. "I saw her commitment post on Instagram, and had met her through a mutual friend. She was also only about 45 minutes down the road from me in the Destin area of Florida, where we had a rival between our high schools in both soccer and flag football. That's what first put Georgia Southern on my radar, so I decided to attend an ID camp here."
That decision changed everything. "I was noticed by Coach Adams at the camp and was later asked to come back for an official visit," Pugh said. "After that, I knew this was where I wanted to be."
Those instincts proved right. Pugh has started 60 of 61 matches played for the Eagles in her four seasons in Statesboro, recording eight career goals and four assists for 20 points. Her 87 shots and 35 shots on goal are tops among active Eagles and she has three game-winning goals in her career, including the game-winner in the Eagles' victory over Arkansas State on September 13.
Moments That Matter
For Pugh herself, her most memorable moments at Georgia Southern have always been about the team. "I think one of my best memories at Georgia Southern so far was beating South Alabama for the first time in Georgia Southern soccer history during my sophomore year," she said. "It was one of the toughest games we had played, which made the victory that much more special. Being able to experience that moment with my teammates and celebrate together is something I'll always remember."
She also credits her parents for helping her reach these milestones. "My biggest influence has been my parents," Pugh said. "They have supported me through every step of my soccer journey and have always encouraged me to work hard, stay grounded in my faith, and pursue the things I'm passionate about. They've been there through all of the ups and downs, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their support and sacrifices they've made for me."
Looking Ahead
As her collegiate career winds down, Pugh is already thinking about what comes next. "After I graduate from Georgia Southern, I plan to use my Marketing degree with an emphasis in Sales Management to pursue a career in sales," she said. "I'm currently interested in medical device or pharmaceutical sales because I really enjoy working with people and building relationships. I'm still exploring my options, but I'm excited to see where my degree and experiences at Georgia Southern take me."
No matter where she goes, she'll always carry the memories and support of Eagle Nation with her. "I just want to say THANK YOU, Eagle Nation, for your constant support and love for our team through all of our highs and lows," Pugh said. "Your support means so much to us, and we're incredibly grateful to have such an amazing community behind us. Nobody does it better than Southern!"
