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...
"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...
"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...
"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...
"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...
"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...
"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
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...
"Yo man... I have to give you a compliment. You have my man Jack balln right now. He came to tryouts and tore 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...
"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
"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...
"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...
"I made the team! Thanks for all the help couldn't have done it without you."
– Jake, High school Sophomore
"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...
"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...
"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
"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,...
"Just wanted to let you know that Daphne had a BLAST at your camp! We will see you around this fall."
– Elise Budd, parent of an eighth grade girl
"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...
"I can't say enough about Craig Austrie Clinics and Individual Training Sessions! He is a truly gifted Trainer and Coach. For the past 2 years, my son has been training under Craig's guidance. He made the JV High School Basketball Team as a direct result of his training with Craig. ...
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 patience with the kids is something that comes incredibly naturally...
"Thank you for your work last week with Miles. He never really loved the basketball camps we sent him to before, but he really enjoyed yours. Please extend my thanks to Heather as Miles spoke very highly of her as well."
– Matt McQuillen, parent of a 7th grader
"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....
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...
"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