Testimonials

From private lessons, to his Saturday pick up leagues, Craig and his staff provide constant positive reinforcement while teaching in a setting that is very physically demanding. My son is always eager to spend more time developing with Craig. Craig's mild manners and patience with the kids is something that comes incredibly naturally to him. It is a unique trait I don't think many teachers share. The weekly intense hour sessions have been the most positive learning experience, and skill development for my child. With all the travel team commitments the kids have these days, my son still prioritizes finding time for Craig's training.

 Craig must also be lauded for his constant presence at the gym as a great role model. It is a wonderful learning environment. We will forever be fortunate to have him giving his time and knowledge to our area children. My son is already a dramatically better ball player and person after just over 1 year of working with Craig and his staff.

 - Testimonial from Greenwich Public School Parent, David Mazzullo 



After nine years of hockey, my son Declan decided to trade in his skates.  His new passion – basketball!  It was as if a flip switched. He began practicing every day – for hours – but I knew that was not going to be enough. As a parent, I knew he needed the very best training I could find for him. He was going to have to compete against kids that have been playing basketball their whole young lives. I did my research – Craig was repeatedly, highly recommended.  Craig is one of the best things to every happen for Declan.  Craig is an exceptional instructor, a tremendous role model and a wonderful person.  Declan respects and admires Craig. Not only does Declan listen to Craig, he pushes himself for Craig and then for the game –anyone with a 14 year old boy knows how fantastic
Craig must be to draw this dedication out.


Heather is wonderful too –Declan adores her. As a trained educator – she knows just how to read the kids and offers a great dimension to the program.

Working with Craig offers tangible results. As an Eighth Grader – new to the game – Declan did make his school’s A team. This is directly attributable to Craig’s coaching.

Craig Austrie’s Developmental Program is one of the best investments I have ever made in and for my son.  I highly recommend the program.

 - Kimberly Fine, aka Declan’s mom – Grade 8, King




 My son had been training with Craig for about 3 months when he attended evaluations for our local basketball league.  The President of the league told us that he saw a “definite improvement” in Adam, and chose him for his team.


I met with Craig’s old coaches and school administrator recently, and they referred to Craig as a “Class Act”.  And that is what comes across in his program.  He is patient with the kids, and has a cheerful personality and really focuses on their skills in a small group setting (usually 1 to 3 kids).  My son actually enjoys training and others are noticing the improvement.  This program is well worth it for us.

 - Nicole Pate – Mother of 8th grader


Yo man……..I have to give you a complement. You have my man Jack balln right now.  He came to tryouts and tor it up. Using both hands with his dribble, it was awesome to see. To be honest, he was kind of on the hot seat before he came in, but will move up the depth chart if he keeps it up. The difference between last season and this tryout is impressive. I have another kid that I have been telling to go and see you.


 - Shawn Grant, 8th Grade Travel Coach


Thank you and Heather for providing such an excellent program.  The kids learn so much in a fun and positive environment.  You guys are so invested in this and it comes through in the way that you work with the kids.  Thank you SO SO much.

 - Liz Waltzman, Parent of a 7th grader 


"Through his private sessions and weekend clinics, Craig brought my son’s skills and fundamentals to a competitive level - enough to make his middle school basketball team, something he dreamed about for years!  Craig really cares about the development of the kids with whom he works.  Craig’s sessions have given my son a greater confidence and the skills that he has learned from Craig have helped him tremendously. Craig taught him valuable skills (both on the court technical skills and basketball smarts) that my son will carry with him throughout his basketball years.  Craig is a coach that makes playing fun but also pushes the kids to do and be their best.  He teaches that if you want to be good at anything, it requires a lot of practice. My son finally understands that no matter how good you may be at something, there is nothing that will replace continued practice and hard word.  Thank you so much Craig for helping to instill these fundamentals and for making my son’s dream into a reality.  We are looking forward to continuing to work with you for many years to come."

 - Patricia, Parent of a 6th grader


"I can't say enough about Craig Austrie Clinics and Individual Training Sessions!  He is a truly gifted Trainer and Coach.  My son has been playing Basketball for 10 years.  He is now 15.  For the past 2 years, he has been training under the guidance of Craig.  My son Tyler made the JV High School Basketball Team as a direct result of his training with Craig.  Craig has instilled confidence, skills and has improved my son's endurance and stamina.  My son is 5' 6" tall, 4" shorter than the next shortest player on the JV Team.  However, he is now a commanding point guard and shooting guard on his team, thanks to Craig."

Craig has made my son's dream come true!
Thank you Craig.

Best Regards,
Nicole Rhind


There are many basketball development programs in the tri-state, however few offer the opportunity to work with a former Big East Guard and Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year.  In the time that my son has worked with Craig, he has improved his game, excelled on the court, and he just made his elite travel team!

 - Joe Vitarelli



Craig’s programs are superb. All his students come away with substantially stronger fundamentals, intelligence, and knowledge of how to work outside of the clinics to further improve their games. He relates to each player as an individual, while showing them all how to contribute to the team success. Craig’s staff is first class, and spends quality time with both individual and team input. If you are looking to get better quickly and to be successful on the court, give Craig a call. We are fortunate to have his leadership and his interest in giving back. After EVERY practice, whether with a clinic or individual lesson, every student comes away with a real sense of accomplishment and growth. An outstanding program led by a special person. Thanks Craig!

 - Jamie Rhind Parent of a 10th Grade boy

Without Craig, I would not have been able to enter tryouts for my Division I college team with the skill set and confidence required to stand out. Craig’s positive attitude was something all players should look forward to. My shot, my dribbling, and my post moves have all improved tremendously under Craig’s direction. There are very few people like Craig who can offer game playing knowledge at such a high level. If your child is looking to become an elite player, or just improve his game, and have fun doing it, Craig is your guy."


- Clay Graham, Forward, Colgate University 


Hi Craig,
Just wanted to let you know that Daphne had a BLAST at your camp! I'm sure we will see you around this fall. 

- Elise Budd parent of an eighth grade girl



I am hearing that the camp is a lot of fun, so thanks so much for saving a spot for Tommy.


- Silvia Szanto Parent of a high school freshman


Craig: My boys, Ames and Alex , had THE best week last week playing in your clinic! Thanks you for making them feel so positive about the game and about themselves; you have a true gift!"

- Evangeline Parent from Darien


Hi Craig,
Thank you for your work last week with Miles. For some reason, he has never really loved the basketball camps we've sent him to, but he really enjoyed yours and was happy to go everyday. Please extend my thanks to Heather as Miles spoke very highly of her as well.

 - Matt McQuillen Parent of a 7th grader


Craig Austrie means business on the basketball court. He expects from the players an increased level of effort, focus and commitment to improving their game. He gives coaching his all ...high energy, fun and a competitive spirit are all part of the game. His one-on-one coaching gave our son the edge he needed to make his school team. His clinics helped our younger son gain confidence and play hard. Craig Austrie's clinics are professionally
run with groups carefully put together based on age and level of play. None of this comes as any surprise...after all, he is a UCONN Husky! We wish him continued success."                                                                                                          

 - Mita parent of high school sophomore and 5th grader



Craig,
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you again for your work with my son Derek. You have really helped him step up his game. Derek was named captain of the Stamford High freshman team. They are 3 and 1 now and at tonights game Derek had a double-double. He finished with 16 pts 12 assts 6 steals 4 rebounds. Thanks again to 
you and your staff for everything you did."

 - Bill Kronkowski parent of a 9th grader



Both of our boys worked with Craig to get ready for basketball tryouts at their respective schools.  In just 8 sessions Craig changed the shooting mechanics of my oldest son which has resulted in greater success in his outside shooting, drives to the basket and free throws.  For my other guy, Craig worked with him on ball handling  skills and  his basketball IQ. They both improved their skills and confidence.  Both boys also made their teams despite some very challenging competition. They have continued their sessions with Craig because we firmly believe this is the quickest way they that they can improve their basketball skills .  They love basketball and despite having practice all week, they love working with Craig as his excellent demeanor is equal to his basketball knowledge.  Craig’s sessions were the best money we have spent.

 - Mike, parent from Greenwich 


Just wanted to let you know that Jack has made the New Canaan High School freshman team.  We  - well HE - owes so much of his improvement to working with you for those eight sessions. Your expertise and dedication to basketball was inspiring; thank you! He really became more aggressive and confident on the court and we look forward to watching him this season."


 - Julie Evans Parent of a 9th grader



Hi Craig this is Brendan. I am glad to inform you that I made the eastern team along with Richie. I couldn't have done it without your help. But even Now that I am on the team I still want to win a starting spot on the team. So I will continue to come to sessions with you. With your help I think I can do it.

Thank you,

 - Brendan, 8th Grader


Hey Craig its Patrick I just wanted to thank you for all the work you did with me in helping me to become a better basketball player. You spent a lot of time with me and I really improved. Today I made the team and I played very well at tryouts due to the help I got from you."  

Thanks A lot,

 - Pat, High school Freshman 



I made the team! Thanks for all the help couldn't have done it without you.

 - Jake Tennenbaum, High school Sophomore 



First, I want to tell you how impressed I am with the clinic you're running.  It's great that you have help from your Dad and highly qualified people like yourself. Danny is enjoying it and I saw him getting his confidence up as the hour progressed!  It was awesome!!!"

 - Christine Ward, Parent     

I became aware of Craig Austrie only by chance.  Through an article in the Stamford Advocate featuring him and his youth Basketball programs.  I thought" wow" to have  personalized instruction from a former player and starter on the UCONN basketball team would be a dream come true for my fifteen year old daughter aspiring to make her school varsity team.


Hannah and I have found Craig's hands on instruction invaluable. His manor is both supportive and encouraging.  He designed practice drills which improve the skills she needs to improve. He is also a very nice person.


Oh by the way Hannah did make her High School varsity team.

Thanks Craig!

 - Philip Klapper, Parent


Craig's the best!  After just a short time with Craig, the improvement to my son's basketball skills and game IQ was unbelievable.  Thanks to Craig, my son's game improved so much he was able to make a very competitive AAU team competing against much bigger players with much more experience.  Craig knows the game and he's the guy to go to if you want your child to develop sound fundamental techniques while learning how to compete.  A natural teacher, he makes learning fun for everyone who loves basketball.
                                                         
 - Keith Watanabe, Parent of an eleven year old. 



We are fortunate to have the opportunity to introduce our children to multiple sports.  Some they like, others they hopefully love.  The test is to see which activities they pursue on their own.  I have coached soccer, baseball and basketball for my sons from ages 3 and up and have been an encouraging observer for lacrosse, football, tennis, swimming and golf.   My sons like most sports but have each developed a passion for basketball.  Basketball also seemed to be the one sport where gym time and individualized training was not readily available.  That is why I was so excited when I received information about Craig Austrie's new program in town.

Both my sons love the program.  They get excited when it's time to go.  They get a great workout.  They both have improved skills but more importantly improved confidence.  They practice on their own and set goals for themselves.  This has been a great experience on all levels.  The kids get a chance to learn from someone who has played at the highest level in D1.  The lessons are focused, fun and challenging.  The instruction is all positive.  I have watched Craig teach several of these sessions and am always impressed with his preparation, his enthusiasm and his delivery.   The instruction is tailored to age and skill level.  This is about making each kid feel great about what they can do as individuals not comparing each to the next.

If your kids like basketball this will make them love it.  If they love basketball already this is a great opportunity to recognize their full potential.                                                                                                                 


 - Chris Koppenheffer, Parent