Alfred University Athletics

 

Hired at AU:	June of 2024
Prior to AU:	Head Western Equestrian Coach at Albion College (2018-2024)
	Interim Hunt Seat Coach at Albion College (2021-2022)
	Owner of Empire Performance Horses in Albion, MI (2009-Present)
	Head Western Equestrian Coach at Cazenovia College (2013-2018)
	Assistant Western Equestrian Coach at Cazenovia College (2011-2013)
	Assistant Trainer at Showstring in Oneco, CT (2010)
	Graduate Assistant/Assistant Coach at University of Findlay (2009-2011)
	Assistant Trainer at Showstop Farm in Whitesboro, TX (2007-2008)
	Professional Groom at Shallowbrook Farm in Stillwater, NJ (2006-2007)
Alma Mater:	MBA - University of Findlay '11 BS - University of Findlay '09

 
D'Agostino was hired at Alfred University in the summer of 2024 as the Director of Equestrian/Head Western Coach.

D'Agostino leads all aspects of the operations and staffing at the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center at Maris Cuneo Equine Park. In addition, he directs the Equine Business Management program.

During the 2024-25 season, D'Agostino led a pair of Saxons to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championships in Ally Dann '25 and Samantha Smit '26. Dann placed eighth in the nation in Individual Ranch Riding, while Smit claimed 11th in the nation in Individual II Horsemanship. As part of the IHSA National Championships, D'Agostino was honored with the 2025 IHSA Western Coaches' Sportsmanship Award. 

In the 2025-26 season, the Alfred University western equestrian team returned to the IHSA National Championships, finishing in 10th place in the nation. The Saxons were represented by seven riders, as Smit earned fifth place in the nation in National Reining Horse Association (NHRA) Open Reining.  

D'Agostino spent the last six years with Albion College as the Head Western Coach. With the Britons, D'Agostino led the training and development of student-athletes in preparation for Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competition. D'Agostino was responsible for the recruitment of student-athletes, which involved hosting events on campus. During his time with Albion, D'Agostino developed student leadership programs and created events to engage with the local community. At the 2024 IHSA Western National Championships, D'Agostino's coached his Albion riders to six Top-10 finishes with a highlight of an IHSA National Champion in Beginner Western Horsemanship. In 2023, he coached the IHSA Individual National Champion in Level II Western Horsemanship and his team finished seventh overall for the Western Team's premiere appearance in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Trophy Team National's competition.
 
Before his time at Albion, D'Agostino served as an associate lecturer, adjunct professor and head western coach at Cazenovia College (NY). In 2017, he coached an IHSA National Champion in Open Reigning and his team was an IHSA Nationals AQHA Trophy Team as they finished in eighth place.
 
D'Agostino also judges several open shows throughout the United States.
 
D'Agostino spent 15 years as the Owner of Empire Performance Horses in Albion, MI, where he oversaw the training of horses for AQHA, NSBA, APHA, ApHC, PtHA and PHBA competition. He was additionally responsible for judging local horse shows and offering clinics to youth and adult amateur competitors.

D'Agostino earned his Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Organizational Leadership and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Western Equine Studies and Equine Business Management at the University of Findlay (OH).

 

IHSA National Championship Riders:	9