SXU Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Earns Multiple Athletic Accolades
Saint Xavier University (SXU) student-athlete Claire Austin has spent the past few years racking up athletic accolades. The women's basketball player has earned the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Newcomer of the Year award, CCAC Player of the Week, and has received multiple CCAC rankings. Most recently, she was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American Third Team, her third year of being named to an All-American team.
"It feels amazing to have received such honors this year. Basketball has always been a huge part of my life, so it is humbling to see it pay off. I could not have done this without my amazing team and coaches," said Austin.
Austin has been playing organized basketball since first grade. Inspired by her siblings and father, who's a basketball coach, Austin began her basketball career 17 years ago. Though her commitment to the women's basketball team at SXU keeps her busy, she is just as devoted to academics. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business in May 2021 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in business at SXU.
Austin chose to study business management because of SXU's excellent business program.
"I have always been interested in leadership, and the business program at SXU has prepared me well. All of my professors are willing to go the extra mile to make sure students are going to succeed, and that is what drew me to this program," said Austin.
When she first began her college career, Austin attended another school, but after being away, she realized the only place she wanted to be was SXU.
"Transferring to SXU was the best decision I ever made. The school really makes you feel like you are part of a family. Everyone is willing to help you when you need it, and there is never a doubt SXU will help you become the best version of yourself," said Austin.
Austin finds that her time at SXU has prepared her well for her career, and she appreciates the high-impact learning opportunities.
"The classes offered really help prepare you for the future by teaching the material through current events. We are always keeping up with the business world to show how the material we are learning relates to it. My professors have done a great job at helping to us to network to find internships and opportunities within the field," said Austin.
Though being a full-time student-athlete keeps Austin busy, she tries to be as involved on campus as she can, and she especially enjoys supporting other athletic teams on campus and interacting with her peers and mentors.
"I have enjoyed a lot about SXU, but I enjoy the friendships and bonds I have created the most. The people here are truly extraordinary and I am blessed to have formed these relationships. I have had excellent mentors and coaches over the past four years, including Coach Brewster, who goes out of his way to make sure you're on the right path and help you reach your future goals," said Austin.
"Claire and her teammates welcomed me to SXU with sincerity. She epitomizes excellence as a person and she's a tremendously respected leader on and off the floor with a thirst for knowledge and strive to be better each day. Her perseverance and gratitude are why her teammates love her and competitors respect her. Claire is truly special," said Brewster.
After Austin completes the graduate program at SXU, she plans to stay involved with basketball. She hopes to one day be a high school or college coach so she can make a difference in student-athletes' lives like her coaches have done for her.