Creston, IA—Bryan Austin, head girls basketball coach at Ruskin High School in Kansas City, MO, has been named the new women's basketball coach at Southwestern Community College. Austin will begin recruiting for the Spartans immediately.

Austin, who also teaches geometry, has been at Ruskin High School since 2014. During this time, he rebuilt Ruskin's basketball program, implementing and executing summer youth camps, off-season training, and summer strength and conditioning programs. He coached five all-conference players, four all-conference honorable mention selections, and five all-district selections. Prior to teaching and coaching at Ruskin, Austin was the assistant girls basketball coach at Center High School in Kansas City, MO.

A former player himself, Austin played on the college basketball team at Truman State University and was a volunteer coach for Truman State's women's club basketball team, a team he started himself.

Austin said he believes coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize his or her own performance.

"For us to be successful and maximize that performance we must prepare on- and off-the-court, because victory loves preparation," commented Austin. "Part of that preparation begins in recruiting those student-athletes who believe in working hard not only on the court, but in the classroom; are of good character; and have a desire to be a part of something bigger than just them."

Beth Kulow, Southwestern dean of student services and hiring committee chair, said Austin's passion for the sport of basketball quickly placed him ahead of the other candidates for the position.

"Bryan's colleagues speak highly not only of his coaching abilities, but also of his dedication and respect for the coaching profession itself," stated Kulow. "He was referred to as 'inspiring' and has spent countless hours donating his time for the betterment of his student-athletes. This mentality will reap huge benefits for his future Spartan players."

Austin said his goal as coach will be to bring excitement, passion, hard work, and a competitive spirit to the program, while also creating a family.

"When you become a family, generally trust is in the center and when you have trust you can accomplish great things," said Austin.

Austin has a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO.