Craig Austrie
Founder, Instructor, Mentor
Craig Austrie’s basketball resume is packed with awards, records, and championships. Craig played at UConn for four years (2005-2009) under Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun. His experience with the Huskies included playing against some of the top players in the country and in some huge games, which served as a training ground for champions. Among Craig’s numerous achievement at the collegiate level:
- Starter in the 2009 Final Four game
- Top-three free-throw percentage at UCONN (83.0%)
- Lead UCONN in steals in historic 6-overtime quarterfinal Big East tournament game versus Syracuse
- Starting freshman point guard during the Huskies first appearance at the Maui Invitational Tournament
- Freshman assist record in one game at UCONN (14, versus Quinnipiac)
Legendary UCONN coach Jim Calhoun says:
"Craig Austrie, captain of our 2009 Final Four team, was a terrific leader who, over his four years, helped us win a Big East Championship and average over 25 wins per year. Craig was a self-made player whose basketball IQ, work ethic and dedication to the game are remarkable. Most importantly, his ability to learn and then teach the game to players of all ages and abilities is second to none. He was a terrific college player who now has the ability to communicate his talent with basketball players at all levels."
As a player at perennial basketball powerhouse Trinity Catholic High School, Craig scored more than 1,600 points and helped lead his team to two high school state championships and three FCIAC championships. Craig’s efforts earned him the highly coveted Gatorade Player of the Year award (2005).
Practice and intelligent ball play are Craig’s hallmarks, as are grit, determination, and the drive to be the best. Since he started coaching youth players, Craig has developed a record for success and a reputation for a trained eye to see what other’s can’t. He has become a role model to hundreds of aspiring basketball players.