St. Thomas Aquinas High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Whitehurst as the new Head Boys Basketball Coach. With a rich background in basketball and coaching experience at various levels, Whitehurst brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for the game to the STA basketball program.
Whitehurst has been an integral part of the STA athletics program since 2020, serving as an assistant coach. His coaching journey includes notable positions such as head coach of the 16U team with Shoreshots Rio in AAU basketball and assistant roles under Coach Rice at Rutgers University and Coach Ben Gamble at Mater Dei High School.
A product of Monmouth Regional High School, Whitehurst went on to play collegiate basketball at Drexel University on a scholarship. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and player development. His experience coaching AAU basketball in North Edison has prepared him to lead the STA basketball program to new heights. Notably, several of his AAU players, including Jalen Pichardo, have been part of successful teams under his mentorship.
"I am honored and excited to lead the STA boys basketball program," said Whitehurst. "I believe in fostering a culture of excellence, hard work, and camaraderie, both on and off the court. I am committed to building on the program's legacy and guiding our student-athletes to achieve their full potential."
Whitehurst's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the STA basketball program, following three consecutive GMC Tournament titles under former head coach Bob Turco. With a strong foundation and a talented roster, Whitehurst is poised to lead the team to continued success in the upcoming seasons.