St. Edward’s Alumni Grow Roots with Austin FC
In 2019, Austin Football Club became the city’s first major league sports team. St. Edward’s University students and alumni work behind the scenes — and out in the community — to make it an integral part of the capital city’s culture.
Childhood Passions Meet Post Grad Opportunities
From playing on the pitch to making his dreams come true, Tony Ho ’21 shares how his love for soccer came full circle on the Hilltop.
"Yeah, it's soccer. But if you think about it in a different way, it's more than soccer. It's kind of like, 'how do you build community?'"
Knowing and Growing Austin FC's Audience
With Mexico City roots, Alfredo Naim '07 found an international community at St. Edward's that emboldened him to highlight and connect the overlooked audience in Austin ready for fútbol in the city.
"Whenever you would walk through campus and see our team finally together after all the struggle, training in the middle of all those mighty oaks, it was cathartic.”
From Brand Ambassador to Integral Club Member
First-generation student, Emely Alvarado '21, utilizes campus connections, dual language skills, and communication learnings to find her place at Austin FC.
“When people meet me, they’re like, ‘You’re so lucky. You get to see the players every day.’ You sometimes get a little used to it. But I’m definitely blessed. And I will say this: They’re awesome. All of them.”
Finding Purpose in the Big Picture
Jose Covarrubias '18 opted not to go pro, but he’s found a career that still immerses him in the soccer community every day.
“I feel part of something much, much bigger than myself, and it still ties to that dream of playing professional soccer.”
Alumni Channel Hilltop Spirit for Austin FC
Stephanie (Prado) Dempsey ’08 and her husband, Edward Dempsey ’05, share their passion as members of La Murga de Austin.
“I think the club is major for Austin, especially right now, in the times that we live in. This is that connection that’s going to hold us together no matter what’s happening outside of us.”
