Let us introduce you to Austin Hatch. Austin is a HS basketball player that currently lives in California and will be attending the University Of Michigan next fall on a basketball scholarship. What makes him so different from other high school athletes? Austin has been involved in two tragic plane crashes in his life. The first occurred in 2003 and claimed the lives of his mother and two siblings. The second took place in 2011 and saw the lives of his father and stepmother vanish.
Because of the second crash, he had to be placed in a medical coma for two months. That’s when his long journey back to the court began. Austin was determined to fight back from this unbelievable tragedy and fulfill his dream of playing college ball.
After transferring to Loyala High School this past Summer, the dream was set back into motion and he ultimately signed a letter of intent to Michigan in November. And remember, this was still before Austin had actually returned to the basketball court. That all changed on Wednesday, though.
Austin made his official return last night, and of course, drilled the first 3-pointer he attempted. The bench went absolutely insane for the kid that has faced unimaginable adversity in life but persevered through it all. We are happy that Austin is back and we hope he continues his success next fall at Michigan.