When Angelique Agustin first enrolled at George Brown College in 2016, her initial plans were to focus strictly on school, but how essential sports were in her life quickly changed that. She decided to try out for the women’s volleyball team. Fast forward to 2021, Agustin has been a part of some historic moments for the program and was named captain of the team this season.
“It is such an honour to represent George Brown, especially as the captain. I am still shocked as I never imagined myself to be the leader of such a great team with the amazing coaching staff to support me as well,” she explained. “It still feels unreal; however, I am starting to own the title and represent the team and do the best I can to motivate and support the women’s team.”
The fourth-year outside hitter has seen the women’s volleyball program evolve and improve at a tremendous rate. In 2018-19, they finished with an 8-10 record and placed 5th in the East Division. This qualified them for the program's first crossover playoff match since the program was inaugurated in 2006-07. The very next season, they took another massive step as they posted a program-best 11-7 record and placed fourth in the East Division. It marked the first time the program hosted a crossover playoff match. Even though the home crossover match happened almost two years ago, that moment still energizes Agustin to train as hard as she can.
“It is such a great feeling that the team is being seen as the group that made GBC history. I still carry the energy and that feeling and hold it in the back of my mind saying we can make it further,” she stated. “With more time to train and bond closer as a team, the stronger the energy and feeling comes back from the crossover match, that we can get there. It just proves that commitment and passion can make history.”
One of the biggest reasons why she believes the Huskies women’s volleyball program has taken numerous significant steps in a short time is the high-quality coaching including fifth-year head coach Daphne Choi.
“The coaching staff had a huge impact on the program's success as they all brought different insights on how to train and coach,” she said. “I think it allows the players to connect to each coach with a certain skill and go to them if they need advice or specific training. I also appreciate how the GBC staff and community is involved throughout games, media, and practice. It motivates the players to improve every day and work hard.”
Agustin displayed what was in store for the OCAA during exhibition action. Her best performance came against Seneca, when she posted a game-high 18 points off 16 kills and two service aces while adding three digs. She was named Huskies athlete of the week on two occasions already.
Being an athlete is only half the story of being a student-athlete. After graduating from a Culinary Skills program, Agustin decided to enroll in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Hospitality program to set herself for future success.
“I wanted to experience face-to-face interaction, customer service, and get a co-op internship where I can get field training which George Brown College provides,” she said. “I think it is always great to have a diverse educational background, especially working in different fields. However, I took the skills I learned from my previous education and wanted to broaden and enhance my skills.”
This semester, she starts her field training in an event planner and communications position through an internship. When it comes to her career, the goal is to secure a stable job through her internship and gain experiences to transfer to other opportunities. When asked about advice she would give to people looking at colleges, long-term goals came to mind.
“Focus on the program and your ultimate career goal before anything else. Then, things will fall into place when it needs to.” she said.
At first, being a Husky wasn’t in the realm of possibilities for Agustin, but thanks to the decision to go to open tryouts, it has helped her make the most of the college experience.
“Being a Husky means that you always got each other’s back. Relationships are built on and off the court when that Husky logo is worn. I have met the most trustworthy and dedicated teammates that today I can call my close friends,” said explained. “We all work together as a Husky family, we share the same goals and passion, and we all get to do what we love to do. As Huskies we are a pack.”
Due to Ontario restrictions, the women’s volleyball and other winter varsity sports seasons have been postponed. However, Agustin knows the team will be ready to continue their positive trend when given the green light to train and play again.
“The pandemic has affected everyone, but George Brown has been doing an amazing job allowing athletes to train during these tough times,” she stated. “I want each player to take advantage of every moment we have on the court because you never know when something like a global pandemic will take away the one thing we love, which is playing volleyball as a Husky.”
