Former System Three footballer toughs it out to gain his Master’s Degree

When Devon “ Devil” Browne grabbed the opportunity at age 27, to enrol at a junior college in the USA, never did he know he was making the wisest decision.

That choice, though with some frustrations, was the beginning of a journey that landed Browne an Associates Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree and now a Master’s.

The 34 -year-old Browne graduated on May 5, this year from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in Sports Studies.

The Journey

Reflecting on what he deemed an arduous, but rewarding seven years, Browne told SEARCHLIGHT “ I was accepted into Ranger College in Texas in 2016 … I came out, played for two years at Ranger College and got my Associate Degree”.

Browne was among several players from the System Three Academy, who became students of the college, following on the heels of the first batch in 2015.

Despite not achieving his initial ambitions it struck Browne that he was onto something good that could see his life taking a turn for the better.

However, stumbling blocks began emerging for Browne, but through it all he persevered.

“ When it was time to move on to get my Bachelor’s I ran into some hiccups as I first had problems signing to a school”, Browne recalled.

“ I sent emails and video clips but no coach was responding …. It was not until late June, 2019, that a coach from Lion College reached out to me. But I ran into my second problem. Because I had played for the national team, the NIAA deemed me two years of participation and that hampered my eligibility.”

Stuck in a rut, Browne recalled, “ I didn’t know what to do… I didn’t know my next move …I feared my scholarship would have been taken away … but a deal was struck to keep my scholarship and made me part of the coaching staff.”

This too, posed an internal problem for Browne.

“ It was a frustrating transaction because I was not ready to be a coach …I really wanted to play Football … I thought that I had one more to play, but as time went by I had no choice but to adjust to the situation,” Browne related.

Placing the challenges behind him, Browne proceeded to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree.

Taking a break from his studies but doing voluntary work as a goal keeper/coach, Browne resumed in 2021, and pursued his Master’s Degree.

“ That was not an easy task either but I had faith, and once I got into the door everything would be alright and that’s what happened,” Browne recollected with a sense of pride.

Satisfied with his accomplishments thus far, Browne said: “ Honestly, I never saw myself going this far, but I got an opportunity and took full advantage of it …. It was not an easy journey but I am very proud of myself for this achievement”.

Future Endeavour

Speaking of his ambitions for the future, Browne disclosed that he wants to stay with sports, primarily, Football.
“I have a passion for sports especially Football … I want to be a coach or manager,” to start his own Football Academy…. “ I want to give youths opportunities to be better individuals.”

Advice to others

Using his experience and fortitude to good effect, Browne has some advice for others.

“Don’t see what you do just as a sport, it is a gateway to many opportunities …do not limit yourself to just playing a sport …,” he said.

“ A footballer’s career is not that long (so) you have to have something to fall back on as there is always a life after Football”.

Underscoring the need to educate oneself, Browne commented, “ I would encourage all sportsmen and women to take their education seriously… let your sporting abilities pay for your schooling,” adding that “the hardest part is starting.”

Browne, a midfielder and defender, represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Under-23 and senior levels.