Name: Austin Emile
Sport: Men's Soccer
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
High School: Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Activities/Clubs/Committees: Haverford Humtones, BSL, AOCC
Favorite professional athlete: Djed Spence
Fun Fact: Is a nationally ranked chess player
What do you love most about the sport you play?
I love how soccer can be used as a form of expression. Every time I step out on the pitch, I feel like I represent not only the school and program on the front of the shirt, but also my family, my friends, and my loved ones. Furthermore, I love how soccer brings people together. My father is from North London, which is a longtime soccer hotbed. He taught me how to find joy through the beautiful game. He coached my club teams until I was 14 years old, and really shaped me to become the person and player I am today. Some of my favorite childhood memories include watching my favorite club, Tottenham Hotspur, with my father after youth matches.
What is your favorite team experience?
Preseason is always a great experience. Essentially, all you do is eat, sleep, and play soccer. Having a week before classes start to bond with the team and set the tone for the season is crucial. It is also a great way to get the incoming freshmen integrated into the team.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
To me, being a student-athlete means that you give 100% into every facet of your life. Whether it be your academic career, your athletic career, your job, your personal relationships, by being a student-athlete, you must be committed in all aspects of your life. It also means leading a healthy lifestyle on and off the field. As a student-athlete, you also gain lifelong friends and an alumni network through a program. This means that you are always representing not only yourself, but your program. All in all, as a student-athlete, it is crucial to represent yourself at the highest level and leave a positive mark on every space you enter.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
Haverford is a very special community. For any prospective Haverford student-athlete, I would say it is important that you love Haverford aside from just being able to play your sport here. It is such a unique and singular tight knit community. Before coming here, it is important that you are ready to be not only an active, but reverential community member. Being able to play a sport at Haverford is a privilege. However, it is important to understand that you are also a part of a larger, closely connected community.