"Our son has worked with Craig for three years. Now he's in 6th grade. His skills have improved dramatically under Craig's outstanding coaching. Craig has a rare gift for seeing what's best, and not, in a child, and bringing out the best to make him awesome, while gently but consistently honing what he needs help with to make him the best he can be. Craig brings out the very best in his students and passes to them Craig's love of the game.
Thanks to Craig, our son improved his skills, and was able to live his passion by making two competitive travel teams.
Our only complaint is that we have to wait for our little guy, now in Kindergarten, to do a Craig Austrie clinic, until he's in third grade :)). I say that jokingly, because we really respect and appreciate Craig very much, and our Kindergartner keeps asking when he too can go work with Craig and be in Craig's programs. He dribbles constantly around our house, like his big brother, and is nicknamed the Handle at home :)).
We are thrilled for Craig and his wife, with the birth of their baby girl, and we wish them all the very best in the world. We hope Craig knows how much we value and appreciate his time, patience and outstanding coaching.
P.S I run into people from all over Fairfield county, and at work in New York, who know you. "Craig is the BEST," is the consensus: "Great man. Awesome coach. Awesome player. Really good man." Know that your fan base grows across the tristate area!!
– Robin, a Greenwich mom.
Dear Craig:
"Our guys got serious about basketball late and I’ve been amazed by how in a few weeks you've gotten them to a level where they can compete with guys who played travel for years. Even more impressive is the rapport you have—and how it helps you teach our guys the amazing insights you gained taking UConn to a Final Four. I see why your teammates made you Captain. We’re grateful to you for what you’re teaching our guys about the game and life. Thanks, Cap!"
-Brendan Hanrahan, parent of twin high school sophomores
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."
"I want to tell you how impressed I am with your clinic. It's great how highly qualified your people are. Danny is enjoying it and I saw him getting his confidence up as the hour progressed! It was awesome!!!"
– Christine, Parent
"I made the team! Thanks for all the help couldn't have done it without you."
– Jake, High school Sophomore
"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."
– Pat, High school Freshman
"I am glad to inform you that I made the Eastern team along with Richie. I couldn't have done it without your help. Now that I am on the team I 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
"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
"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
"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