Evan Augustine's story of success
For those reading who know Evan Augustine, what comes to mind? Was it his ability to grind and shut down opposing strikers on the pitch for four straight seasons? Was it his ability to maintain a double major in his time here as an undergrad? Or is it his ability to be a key asset for Behrend Athletics as the Graduate Assistant Sports Information Director? The bottom line is: if people are looking for a story of hard work and determination, the story of Evan Augustine is one to look into, and I am hear to tell you all about him.
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Evan Augustine grew up in South Park, Pennsylvania, and growing up in this small town about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh prepared him tremendously for the academic commitment given at Penn State Behrend. “It gave me the one-on-one interaction with teachers that I needed so I could stay focused on my assignments,” Augustine said. This one-on-one academic interaction translated well as Evan was able to obtain a double major in Management Information System and Supply Chain Management. In addition, he accepted a Graduate Assistant Position at Behrend as the Assistant Sports Information Director. But, how did Evan get here? How did soccer help him get here? Who helped guide him to be the man he is today?
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When asking Evan about who he admired most growing up, he talked about his relationship with his father Mark and his brother Andrew. “My dad always supported me and helped me get better at every sport I played. Going in the backyard to work on dribbling the soccer ball or going to the baseball field to catch fly balls, he didn’t care how good I was, he just wanted me to be happy and have fun. My brother always pushed me to be better at everything I did. He expected more of me and wanted me to be the best.” Having a great support system definitely pushed Evan to give 100 percent at everything he did, both in and out of the classroom. The drive within himself and also his family wanting the best for him has helped mold Augustine into one of the most well rounded student athletes Behrend has seen in the last number of years.
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When reflecting on his four year career as a Behrend student athlete, he credits a lot of his success to Dr. Diane Parente. “She guided me through my whole college career, pushing me to pursue a double major, certificates, joining clubs, while still being involved in athletics. She guided me on the path to graduating by suggesting I take summer courses to stay ahead of the game. I cannot thank her enough,” Augustine said. His favorite moment as a Behrend athlete was when Behrend soccer won the AMCC Championship in his Sophomore year. Behrend was able to score a late goal to win the game, and Augustine still cannot believe the feeling he had after winning that game. “Jimmy Belack got the ball in the corner and whipped in a cross to find Anthony Crivelli for the game winning goal. We all ran as fast as we could and slid head first into the corner to celebrate the goal. The fans were screaming, the place nearly erupted, and all of a sudden I look over and fans are in the corner with us celebrating. I still get chills thinking about it”.
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When Augustine and I discussed professional athletes, I was presently surprised to uncover we share a favorite athlete, Kobe Bryant. Augustine’s demeanor is much like the Black Mamba’s in everything he does. Augustine is someone who puts his heart and soul into everything, and he never gives less than 100 percent, whether it is in the classroom, in intramurals, or in his time as a lockdown defender on the soccer field. Every single time Evan gets his mind set on something, he is going to do it. Much like Kobe, he always found something to get better at, and he also exploits weaknesses when he matches up with an opponent in any sport. There is nobody that works harder when he is in a game than Evan Augustine.
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As everyone can see, Evan Augustine is one of the most respected people in the Behrend Athletic Department. His attitude and hard work make for a lethal combination. He was able to graduate in four years in a double major and also play a sport. He plans on graduating with his Masters in Business Administration in just a year's time, which is also very impressive considering the workload of school and his ongoing tasks with Behrend Athletics. If anyone can handle it, it is Augustine. He has always put in the work for soccer and school, and he just keeps coming back for more to better himself and his future. The future is bright for this once lockdown center defender both in his professional career and as a member of the Behrend Athletic Department.
