USL Release

Thursday, July 24, 2008

AUSTIN, TX - Most 10-year-old kids on a warm summer night are at the playground with their friends. They’re watching cartoons or playing video games in their basement. They’re usually not in locker rooms at professional soccer games interacting with the players. But then again, Evan Mundine isn’t like most 10-year-old kids.

Soccer is a game that can transcend generations. It can reach the young and old alike and create everlasting bonds of friendship. In Evan’s case, soccer has affected him in a unique way, and through the lost of a friend, soccer was the avenue he needed to deal with the grief, and help find his passion in life.

A few years ago Evan, like many kids his age was playing youth soccer. While playing he met someone who would eventually change his life, his friend and teammate Kyle. Kyle was struck with a horrible illness that would eventually take his life, but in his death, it helped shape another life. Evan did not know where to turn following this tragedy. He could not understand how this could happen to his friend. His only solace was the game he and Kyle loved to play.

From that moment on, soccer has played an intricate part in Evan’s life. His two favorite teams, the Austin Aztex and Houston Dynamo, have helped Evan’s love of soccer grow. The Aztex are currently in first place heading into the PDL playoffs of the United Soccer Leagues and in 2009 will take a step up and compete in the USL First Division. This news came as a thrill to Evan.

“Evan was so excited to hear that Austin was going to become a part of the USL family,” said Austin Aztex Operations Director David Markley. “He texted everyone he knew to tell them the exciting information.”

It is not uncommon to see Evan with his two favorite teams in the locker room or on the field cheering them on. He has built a relationship with the players and sends postcards to them before every game, telling them good luck, and that he believes in them. The players have responded warmly to their number one fan. Robin Martinez of the Aztex dedicated a goal for him and the Houston Dynamo had Evan with them to touch the MLS Cup after they won it in 2007.

Evan’s faith has consistently been tested throughout his life and has always passed those tests with a smile and a helpful hand. After Evan’s friend passed away he learned that his older brother may have leukemia. There were several tests and several days when the Mundine family did not know if they would have to deal with this terrible illness. Fourtunetely, Evan’s brother did not have leukemia, but even during those uncertain days, Evan’s love of soccer and helping others, even after so much had already happened to him at a young age, was truly remarkable for all to see.

“Evan always says he is lucky to have found his passion so early in life,” said his mom Frieda. “It is remarkable that at a young age he is already taking that passion and using it to help others.”

Evan is currently planning a fund raiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He is using his connection with the clubs to get items to auction off. His goal is to raise $5,000 by his birthday in September.

To fully understand how amazing Evan is, consider that he suffered a serious injury playing soccer a year ago, and is still undergoing rehab. He still has some very tough days, but rather than being discouraged by his injuries or the tragedies he has already met in life, he chooses to stay positive and encourage other people.

Evan also sends out dozens of letters a week to soccer players across the country. He appreciates the hard work and dedication that soccer players have and loves to help out with an encouraging note. His faith is so strong that it manifests itself to the people he touches, and it’s not just limited to the soccer field.

“He has done his own fund raiser in memory of Luke Dunivant, who passed away from Leukemia, and raised almost $2500,” said Evan’s proud mom. “He has collected for PassBack, for the local food pantry, and has collected money for an orphanage in India.  He has kept himself very busy helping others and that is something we are so proud of and just feel very blessed.”

Although Evan’s playing career is currently on the mend, he promises that when he comes back every goal he scores will be for his beloved friend Kyle, and with his remarkable dedication to others, Evan is sure to find the back of the net often.