ABOUT AUSTIN
Helping Teams & Individuals Overcome Adversity
“We are not defined by our circumstances; I believe we can be defined by how we choose to respond.”
My path to helping others overcome adversity started with a devastating twist of fate. In my early years, my childhood was one that most would dream of – filled with youth sports, family dinners, and milkshakes before bed.
Then, at the age of 8 years old, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of my mother, sister, and brother. My father was left severely injured. My own physical injuries were minor, but the emotional pain of losing my mom and siblings at such a young age was devastating.
Even then, I understood the importance of continuing to live a life fueled by positivity and optimism in my family’s honor. The bond my dad and I shared grew stronger and we were each other’s reason to keep going.
“We are not defined by our circumstances; I believe we can be defined by how we choose to respond.”
My path to helping others overcome adversity started with a devastating twist of fate. In my early years, my childhood was one that most would dream of – filled with youth sports, family dinners, and milkshakes before bed.
Then, at the age of 8 years old, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of my mother, sister, and brother. My father was left severely injured. My own physical injuries were minor, but the emotional pain of losing my mom and siblings at such a young age was devastating.
Even then, I understood the importance of continuing to live a life fueled by positivity and optimism in my family’s honor. The bond my dad and I shared grew stronger and we were each other’s reason to keep going.
Eventually, my dad was remarried to Kimberly, a wonderful woman with three children of her own. Together, we formed a blended family, which restored a sense of normalcy in my life. Meanwhile, I worked hard on my basketball skills, and the hours I put in were beginning to pay off. On June 15th, 2011, I was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan, my mom’s alma mater. It was a dream come true.
Nine days later, a second plane crash claimed the lives of my father and second mother, and put me in the hospital in critical condition and a medically-induced coma.
Two months later, I came out of the coma and began the long road to recovery, which included re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and live a normal life.
I achieved my goal of making it to The University of Michigan, where coach Beilein honored my scholarship. I had four great years with the basketball program and while I only scored one point, I took pride in my role and found ways to make a positive impact on our team.
After graduation, I worked in Domino’s corporate office, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, and began my true passion of speaking to and inspiring individuals and teams to overcome adversity.
Eventually, my dad was remarried to Kimberly, a wonderful woman with three children of her own. Together, we formed a blended family, which restored a sense of normalcy in my life and brought me joy. Meanwhile, I grew to love the game of basketball. On June 15th, 2011, I was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan. It was a dream come true.
Nine days later, a second plane crash claimed the lives of my father and second mother, and put me in the hospital in critical condition and a medically-induced coma.
Two months later, I came out of the coma and began the long road to recovery, which included re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and live a normal life.
In time, I achieved my goal of rejoining the University of Michigan basketball team. Even though I only scored one point, I took pride in my role and found different ways to positively impact our team.
After graduation, I worked in Domino’s corporate office, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, and began my true passion of speaking to and inspiring individuals and teams to overcome adversity.
“Life is not about what we do for ourselves. It's about how we impact others.”
“ADVERSITY IS UNIVERSAL. REGARDLESS OF WHAT WE FACE, WE CAN OVERCOME IT.”
We all face adversity everyday, but there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome if we work together.
Learn how to apply the G.R.I.T. framework within your school, church, organization or company to empower your team to achieve your goals.
“ADVERSITY IS UNIVERSAL. REGARDLESS OF WHAT WE FACE, WE CAN OVERCOME IT.”
We all face adversity everyday, but there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome if we work together.
Learn how to apply the G.R.I.T. framework within your school, church, organization or company to empower your team to achieve your goals.
“ADVERSITY IS UNIVERSAL. REGARDLESS OF WHAT WE FACE, WE CAN OVERCOME IT.”
We all face adversity everyday, but there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome if we work together.
Learn how to apply the G.R.I.T. framework within your school, church, organization or company to empower your team to achieve your goals.
We will all face challenges, but we can find a way to overcome them. We have a choice:
We can either dwell on our setbacks and believe that our lives are a product of circumstance…
Or, we can choose to approach our struggles with positivity and perseverance.
