It’s Great to Be Austen King!!!
When I think of Austen King the three “F words” come to mind and not the main ones you are thinking. Family, Faith, and Funny. Recently I had the chance to sit and have a cup of coffee with this amazing young man, and I was pleasantly surprised at what I learned. First, let me give you the backstory on this young man. He is on the current roster of the Carolina Railhawks playing in the back as the last line of defense before the goalie. He also the young man that at the end of the season last year made a contract with Maddie that neither one of them would date until they were 28. Austen is a little closer to that age than Maddie, but I still think it is funny.
He is a hometown boy that was raised less than 30 minutes away from where we live. In fact, Mikaela’s, my middle daughter, soccer team played against one of his cousins. It seems that it was fated that our paths would cross one day. As I chatted with him, I realized just how much we truly have in common. At this point, the first of the F words comes into play Family. As we were chatting about our upbringing, he asked me where I was originally from as Pikeville is not where I grew up, and I said Jacksonville, NC. He said he knew where that was as he has family in Richlands. I told him that Richlands was actually where I grew up, but I typically don’t tell people that because they don’t know where that is. Yes, it is one of those little spots on the map that is known for its southern hospitality. Austen said he would not be where he is today without the support of his parents.
His parents go to every Railhawks game whether Austen is dressed out or not. He said when he was college at Elon College (This is another way our paths crossed. His college coach played at UNCG while I was there. ) he thought his mom was crazy to drive 5 hours just to see a soccer game and then drive the 5 hours back. I was able to meet his parents after a recent home game, and I can see where Austen gets his down to earth personality. His parents are also quite funny. I had a really nice chat with them as I waited for Austen to come by so I could snap a photo with him and his parents. His mom says that they tend to stay around after each home game and meet up at a local restaurant just to spend a little time with him. Now, folks I was impressed with this not many 20 somethings want to hang out with their parents on a Saturday night.
This is where the second “F” comes into play – Faith. Austen says that he wants to live a simple life. He doesn’t have the latest technology any smartphone. He says simply is better. He would rather be out enjoying his life than sitting behind a computer screen. Which brought me to the question why the Railhawks and would he ever consider leaving the team for another team? He said the offer had to be an exceptionally good one for him to leave. He loves being close to home and being able to go and attend his “home” church whenever he can. He also stated that his identity is not caught up in one thing. If soccer ended tomorrow, which hopes not he will still be able to continue with his life. I asked what he saw himself doing in 10 years, and he said working a job, hopefully, married and being a good daddy. In fact here were several times in the conversation he expressed that was his ultimate goal- to be a daddy. He said that if he is half the man that his dad is then he would be okay with that. This is where that funny sense of humor comes in. He said, and I quote “I come from a long line of boring people. And it would be okay with me if I continued with that line.”
At this point, we started discussing the team and the teammates he is closest too. He stated that he is closest to Cesar Elizondo, who has since been traded to San Antonio. So then I asked him if he was stranded on the desert island which players he would want on the island with him. Cesar was one as Austen says he is not a complainer, and they are similar in their beliefs. Jordan Burt would be another one because as Austen said he is more solution orientated. Backup goalie, Scott Goodwin was another one of his picks because as he says he is pretty positive, cool under pressure and pretty easy to get along with. Now here is with his sense of humor comes through he said that he would also take Braian Cyrino, who has since been released from the Railhawks, because he is small and they might run out of food and they can eat him. LOL just about died laughing when he said that because that is just the way he is.
I don’t think there wasn’t a time where I haven’t seen him smiling and joking. His awesome attitude is a definitely the product of an awesome upbringing by his amazing parents and being the oldest of three. I thank Austen for being just as genuine on the field as he is off. If you get a chance to check out a Carolina Railhawks game look for #15 on defense and stay and grab his autograph, you will be pleasantly surprised how this young man portrays the simple life. He is a favorite in the family for sure as he is known to tease my girls on more than one occasion.
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that’s a tall dude! very cool that he is a smiley, jokey guy
This is great that a player will take the time to get to know his fans!
He sounds like a really classy guy. I love that he is so involved with his fans. No wonder everyone loves him.
I’ve heard about him, he has such a great spirit.
Great to know about Austen King! And I agree with what he says, “simple is better”. No smart phone, yeah, you are better off without it lol
He sounds like a really nice guy. Glad you got to meet him.
My kinda guy. I love happy funny people/
Who doesn’t like funny and those 3 F’s makes him one swell of a guy. No wonder he’s so well loved.
I love when famous people take time out for his or her fans. Makes them more real.
How nice that he took time out to spend with you 🙂 So many people don’t bother these days. x
He sounds like a great guy! Love that he cares about his fans.
He sounds like a really well-rounded guy. He is a great role model for kids.
Thanks so much for shaing about him. He sounds like an really great guy!
Gotta love soccer! We don’t have a team where I am!
I think it’s so cool that his parents go to every game. That’s some serious parental dedication.
He sounds like a phenomenal gentleman! You just don’t see too many of those around nowadays.
Wow he’s so tall! I’d be so small compared to him.
My son, Austen, is thrilled that Austen King spells his first name the same way. We don’t see that very often!
I know I felt so short beside him. But he is a big sweetie.
You are a real sports authority there! I had never heard of this gentleman but what a lovely sounding young man!
I have never heard of him. I think it’s so nice that he’s so involved with his fan.
Wow, he’s tall. I don’t follow soccer so I had no idea who he was. Sounds like the perfect gentleman and role model.
I’m not a huge sports fan, but my kids are. It’s great to know there are role models out there for them.
Sounds like a good guy and role model.
He’s the kind of guy that daughter can bring home to her family. He seems amazing and there’s nothing wrong with boring. Not a lot of guys say they want to be “daddy”. I think its admirable!
I have to admit that I don’t keep up with Soccer and this is the first time I’ve heard of him or the Railhawks. Sounds like a really great guy!
He really seems to have a lovely spirit! So wonderful to find in a role model!
What an amazing young man. And he is so super nice! I wish him well with his team!
It is always great when these “big” people still have good personalities.
What sgreat values. I love that he’s not into technology and has a strong faith and love for his family. We need more men like this in the world.
Thanks for this interview. I love reading interviews about all athletes, not just the “Michael Jordans” of the world. I was most impressed with what he had to say about his parents and with his parents. That is one loving family and you can tell they did an awesome job as parents.
What fun for you to meet him and get to know him. It’s great that he makes himself accessible to his fans.
WOW! It seems like he is such a “sweetie!” Thanks for insight through your interview! He’s focused, he’s real! That makes him a fantastic role model!
This was a great read! He is full of really great insight!
very cool, you did a great job. i love hearing about different people
This young man sounds wonderful. What a breath of fresh air. He doesn’t mind being with his parents, he has a strong faith, no iphone, and hopes to be a daddy in about 10 years. It would seem to me that he would be a wonderful father!! Great post – I enjoyed it. 🙂
Aww, moms who get to hang out w/their 20-somethings are super lucky. 😉 My two live in different states, and I miss ’em always!! 🙂
He sounds like a great guy. I like that he cares about his fans. Thanks for sharing!
He’s a great guy. It’s nice to know that he spent some time with you.
I love when athletes are humble enough to continue reaching out to their fans. It shows what a standup guy he really is.
I’m not one for many sports so don’t think I’m crazy when I say I have absolutely no idea who he is. I do appreciate however that he was able to be so kind as to talk to you in such a manner since most athletes tend to be jerks. Lucky you! 🙂
Sounds like you must have had an interest time. What a great opportunity!
Sounds like a great guy! He’ll definitely go far in life & most likely make sure that those around him do too.
That must have been really fun. He sounds like a really great guy.
He sounds like he really is SUCH a good role model. Its nice when ppl are their true selves