Ayrton Oneill
Will Schwartzstein is a former high school and college basketball player who signed a professional contract to play in Peru in 2015. After graduating from Norwalk High School in 2002, Schwartzstein played for Emory & Henry College in Virginia, where he set the career record for blocked shots. He then became a personal trainer and performance coach before joining a semi-pro team in Washington, D.C., in 2011. Despite facing doubts about his potential, Schwartzstein fulfilled his dream of playing professional basketball when he signed with the Inmaculada Lobos of the Liga de Lima.
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What You'll Learn
Will Schwartzstein's basketball career at Norwalk High
Schwartzstein played two varsity seasons at Norwalk High, including a notable 19-6 campaign his junior year. The team made the FCIAC playoffs and advanced to the Class LL state semifinals. They also returned to the state tournament during his senior year. Despite his success, Schwartzstein faced doubts about his potential for a professional career, but he remained determined.
After graduating from Norwalk High School in 2002, Schwartzstein took his talents to Emory & Henry College in Virginia. There, he excelled as a center, setting the career record for blocked shots and consistently ranking high for blocks per season. He also played basketball overseas and joined a semi-pro team in Washington, D.C., in 2011, showcasing his enduring love for the sport.
Schwartzstein's journey came full circle when he returned to his roots as a coach. He became the freshmen basketball coach at his alma mater, Norwalk High School, and also volunteered as an assistant with the Senators' varsity team. In this new chapter of his career, he passed on valuable tips and insights to the next generation of players, emphasizing that "size is nothing but a number" and that heart and determination are what truly matter on the court.
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Schwartzstein's time at Emory & Henry College
Will Schwartzstein played basketball at Emory & Henry College, a private liberal arts institution nestled in the Appalachian highlands of Virginia, just 26 miles from the Tennessee border. The college, founded in 1836, boasts two campus locations in Southwest Virginia and over 90 academic fields of study.
Schwartzstein, a towering figure at 6 feet and 10 inches, excelled on the court as a center for the college's basketball team. He set the career record for blocked shots, showcasing his defensive prowess. His talent didn't go unnoticed, as he twice came close to topping the school's list for most blocks in a single season.
Before joining Emory & Henry College, Schwartzstein had a successful basketball career at Norwalk High School, where he played two varsity seasons and reached the state tournament in his junior and senior years. Despite his height, he recalled feeling "tall and skinny" when he first arrived at Norwalk High, but he soon discovered the weight room and packed on more pounds, which benefited his game.
After graduating from Emory & Henry College in 2007, Schwartzstein moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a performance coach at Velocity Sports Performance. He also pursued performance training with a Washington sports club for several years. It was during this time that he connected with various teams overseas, showcasing his continued passion for the sport.
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His time as a personal trainer and performance coach
Will Schwartzstein's journey into the world of personal training and performance coaching began after he graduated from Emory & Henry College in Virginia in 2007. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches tall, he had a successful college basketball career, setting the career record for blocked shots and consistently ranking high for blocks per season. However, Schwartzstein chose to take a break from basketball after graduating and moved to Washington, D.C.
In the nation's capital, he began his career as a performance coach at Velocity Sports Performance. This role allowed him to utilize his own athletic experience to help others improve their performance. Unfortunately, his time at Velocity Sports Performance was cut short when the establishment closed. However, this setback did not deter him from his new path. Schwartzstein quickly transitioned to performance training with a Washington sports club, where he remained for approximately four years.
During his time in Washington, D.C., Schwartzstein also pursued semi-professional basketball. In 2011, he joined the Metropolitan All-Stars, a semi-pro team that competed in the Eastern Basketball Alliance. The team even organized a tour of Peru with the aim of securing professional deals for its players. This endeavor proved fruitful for Schwartzstein, as he was offered a contract to play professionally in Peru with the Inmaculada Lobos of the Liga de Lima.
Despite the doubts expressed by many, Schwartzstein proved his worth and signed a professional contract to play basketball in Peru. This marked a significant milestone in his career, validating his passion and determination for the sport. It is evident that Schwartzstein's experience as a personal trainer and performance coach not only benefited others but also contributed to his own development as an athlete. His journey showcases a unique blend of coaching and playing experiences, highlighting his dedication to the world of basketball.
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Will Schwartzstein signs a pro contract to play basketball in Peru
Will Schwartzstein, the former Norwalk High School basketball player, has signed a professional contract to play basketball in Peru. The 6-foot, 10-inch centre, who graduated from high school in 2002, has defied doubters to achieve his dream of playing professional basketball.
Schwartzstein's journey to becoming a professional athlete has been a long one. After graduating from high school, he attended Emory & Henry College in Virginia, where he excelled in basketball. He set the career record for blocked shots and was consistently near the top of the school's list for most blocks in a single season. Despite his impressive college career, Schwartzstein faced criticism and scepticism from those who believed he would not make it to the professional level.
However, he remained dedicated to his passion and continued to pursue basketball opportunities. In 2011, he joined a semi-pro team in Washington, D.C., called the Metropolitan All-Stars, who played in the Eastern Basketball Alliance. The team organised a tour of Peru during the winter, with the goal of helping players secure professional contracts. Schwartzstein's hard work and determination paid off, as he was signed by the Inmaculada Lobos of the Liga de Lima.
Schwartzstein's signing with a professional team in Peru is a testament to his perseverance and belief in himself. He credits his former coaches, teammates, and staff for their support and encouragement throughout his journey. With his new contract, Schwartzstein embarks on an exciting new chapter in his basketball career, proving that hard work and dedication can make dreams a reality.
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Coaching basketball at Highland Avenue
Will Schwartzstein is a former Norwalk High School (NHS) basketball player who graduated in 2002. He played two varsity seasons at NHS, including a 19-6 campaign his junior year, where the team made the FCIAC playoffs and reached the Class LL state semifinals.
After high school, Schwartzstein attended Division III Emory & Henry College in Virginia, where he excelled as a 6-foot, 10-inch center. He set the career record for blocked shots and was consistently among the top players for blocks in a single season. Following college, he pursued various endeavours, including personal training and performance coaching. He also played for a semi-pro team in Washington, D.C., and eventually signed a professional contract to play basketball in Peru with the Inmaculada Lobos of the Liga de Lima.
In 2016, Schwartzstein returned to his roots, taking on the role of freshmen basketball coach on Highland Avenue, while also volunteering as an assistant with the Senators' varsity team. Standing at nearly 6-foot-11, he would often work with the varsity frontcourt players, imparting valuable tips and strategies. Schwartzstein's coaching philosophy emphasizes that size is not everything, and that an undersized player can be taught to play big, citing the example of Charles Barkley. He draws from his own experiences, having faced taller opponents throughout his career.
Coaching at Highland Avenue, Schwartzstein is dedicated to helping his players improve and embraces the challenges that come with each new day. He finds great satisfaction in seeing his players develop and succeed, feeling a closeness to the game through his role as a coach. His journey, from playing at Norwalk High to coaching on Highland Avenue, serves as a testament to his enduring passion for basketball and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Schwartzstein is a basketball player and coach from Norwalk, Connecticut. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 2002 and went on to play basketball at Emory & Henry College in Virginia. After college, he became a performance coach and personal trainer, and later joined a semi-pro team in Washington, D.C. In 2015, he signed a professional contract to play basketball in Peru.
Standing at almost 6-foot-11, Schwartzstein's height has been a significant advantage in his basketball career. He has also worked on his strength, saying, "Now you can't keep me out of [the weight room]. I've definitely packed on a lot more pounds."
As a coach, Schwartzstein believes that "size is nothing but a number." He emphasizes that an undersized player can still play big if they have the heart and the right skills. He draws on his own experiences, saying, "There were games in my career where I was the undersized guy out there. So I try to teach things I know to players to use that will work against a bigger player."
Will Schwartzstein is known for his determination and perseverance in pursuing a career in professional basketball despite facing doubts and criticism from many people. He has also been praised for his work ethic and for using basketball as a way to open doors and create opportunities in his life.
