TULSA, Oklahoma – Amid 984 students graduating from Oral Roberts University in May was men's soccer assistant coach John Woodhead, who completed a master's degree in Sport Management. But unlike most graduates, Woodhead received more than just a diploma on that Saturday.
 
In addition to graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Woodhead was honored as the College of Science and Engineering Graduate Student of the Year. The honor is given to an exemplary student who excels in the classroom, shows strong work ethic, and has a passion for learning.

 
Woodhead was first honored as the Master of Sport Management Major of the Year earlier in the semester. He is the first student from the master's program to be honored by the College of Science and Engineering.
 
Associate Professor of Sport Management Dr. Terry Shannon has been an advocate for Woodhead throughout his time at Oral Roberts.
 
"Woody had a perfect 4.0 GPA in his graduate work. Very impressive in itself, not to mention working full-time as an assistant coach with the men's soccer team," said Shannon. "Woody is eager to learn as much as he can in his graduate classes and always completes his work on time and with outstanding insight."
 
Woodhead currently serves as an assistant coach for the men's soccer program, entering his fourth year with the Golden Eagles. He first joined the program in April 2023 as a graduate assistant before being promoted to assistant coach in the summer of 2025. Prior to coaching, Woodhead spent six seasons on the field, getting started at Northern Oklahoma College before finishing his collegiate career at Oklahoma City University.
 
Going to college was not something Woodhead had seen for himself, with a degree especially not being the priority. He had struggled in secondary school, completing only three of seven GCSE credits in England.
 
While he found success on the field early at Northern Oklahoma, academics did not come as easily. Woodhead struggled in the classroom, enjoying the classes specific to his major, but not the general education courses.
 
After breaking his foot, Woodhead nearly left college altogether. His coaches said that would be the biggest mistake he would make, and he sees now that they were right. With the support of his coaches, athletic trainers, and academic advisors, he was able to continue at NOC, completing his associate degree in sports and exercise while being named an All-American.
 
Attending Oklahoma City University was easier for Woodhead, as he had built a support system around him, including his host family, coaches, and his mom, who is his best friend. While at OCU, Woodhead led the Stars over three seasons, tallying 45 points with 17 goals and 11 assists, earning All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors while completing a bachelor's degree in human performance with a minor in management.



Woodhead came to ORU because he had heard great things about the program, but being close to his host family was an added benefit. Similarly to his undergrad, earning a master's degree was not the goal. But immediately after coming to ORU, he knew something was different. He enjoyed all the classes he was taking, not just some, and he built meaningful relationships with his professors early on.
 
He is grateful for many people who helped him along the way. "I appreciate Coach DuRoy for giving me the opportunity to play in America," said Woodhead. "He changed who I am as a person. I came in a kid who didn't want to work, and he completely changed my work ethic."


 
"I'm thankful to Coach Jade for being a role model and helping me through life in America. And to Coach Martin for taking me to OCU, allowing me to finish my collegiate career and degree; just being an awesome human, role model, and mentor."
 
Serving as a graduate assistant was not an easy task, working three jobs while being a full-time student was difficult. He put in 14+ hour days of coaching and dedicated his days off to schoolwork. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without people like Dr. Shannon and Dr. Farmer," said Woodhead.
 
After two and a half years in school, Woodhead had finished his final class in the fall of 2025. He was back home for Christmas break when he got a call from Dr. Shannon to tell him he had been named the Master of Sport Management Major of the Year. It was just two weeks later that he got another call saying he would be the College of Science and Engineering Graduate Student of the Year.
 
"I was shocked, speechless," said Woodhead. "After the hard times at JUCO and spending hours in the library studying, it was incredible to see how far I've come."
 
Woodhead is the first of his immediate family to attend university, and the only one in his family to complete a master's degree.
 
"They were buzzing," is how Woodhead described his family's reactions. "Very happy and proud of what I achieved."
 
Though he liked to joke about it, Woodhead is very proud of the work he put in over 10 years. And while it is not something he talks to the team about, there is an unspoken acknowledgment.
 
The honor is something that head coach Ryan Bush sees as a representation of the program's expectations.
 
"Coach John Woodhead being named Master's Student of the Year is a reflection of who he is every day—not just as a student, but as a leader," said Bush. "John carries a spirit of excellence in everything he does. Whether it's recruiting, serving our players, handling responsibilities behind the scenes, or pursuing academic success, he consistently gives his best. Excellence is contagious, and the standard he lives by helps shape the culture of our program. Our players see it, our staff sees it, and our program is stronger because of it. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition."
 
If he could speak to someone in the same position he was in 10 years ago, Woodhead would tell them that most things are achievable with time and effort.

For the latest information on ORU men's soccer, follow @ORUMSOC on X or go to www.ORUAthletics.com.