Austin Payne O'Brien and was born in Brownsville, TX with a condition called Erb's Palsy which affects his left arm. It is a paralysis caused by the arm's main nerves being severed during birth. The first years of his life were spent making frequent trips to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston for treatment and therapy to help develop motion in his arm. Even though his arm will never be 100%, he has made it to a point where he can be active and use his arm.  The challenges Austin has faced with this condition over the years have made him a stronger person.  He does not take things for granted, and pushes himself to excel in everything.  Moreover, Austin would like others to know that when you face challenges head on and put forth all that you can, no challenge is too big to overcome.

Austin has attended Homer Hanna Early College High School for the past four years and will be graduating number 10 in his class.  He has played varsity golf for four years, and has been the team captain for the last two years. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Technology Student Association where he serves as Secretary, astronomy club and has also served on The South Texas Youth Congress.  

This fall Austin willbe attending Schreiner University where he will play golf for the Mountaineers, and will also double major in Computer Information Systems: Concentration in Cyber Security and Sports Management.