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Massari Steele, Robin

College Player

Inducted

2009

The basketball career of Robin Massari-Steele began in the sixth grade when her physical education teacher recommended that she try out for the team after watching her run the 50 yard dash. Robin told her dad what the PE teacher had said. Thus began a string of countless weekends of learning the game of basketball from her dad.

Robin attended Masuk High School (1986-1990) where she played for Coach David Strong. During her senior year, Robin and her teammates compiled a 27-0 record enroute to winning the school’s first State Championship. She was selected the Gatorade Player of the Year and Masuk’s Scholar Student-Athlete. Robin repeated as an All State team member, an honor she first received during her junior year.

Robin continued her basketball career at Fairfield University (1990-94) where she played for Coach Dianne Nolan. At Fairfield, she averaged 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and compiled career marks of 1114 points, 82 assists, and 149 steals. In 1993, Robin was ranked 17th nationally for rebounds [11.1 rpg] and 18th nationally in 1994 with 11.2 rpg. She was voted to the First Team All-MAAC in 1993 and 1994, MAAC All Tournament team in 1994, and All MET in 1994. Robin set a rebound record of 17 rebounds in the Knickerbocker Arena.

Robin’s fondest memory as a player occurred during her freshman year when Fairfield qualified for the NCAA Tournament. She mentioned that the tournament atmosphere increased the game to another level and it was tremendously exciting to play in such an environment. After graduation, Robin spent time coaching basketball. She was the second Assistant Coach at the University of New Haven from 1994-96. She coached the Wes Conn Fillies (ages 15 and 16) from 1998-2000 and the Pomperaug High School freshmen and junior varsity teams from 1999-2002. Robin would like to “get back into the coaching field and teach the game of basketball by utilizing the strengths of all the players on the team.”

Robin credits her dad with teaching her the game of basketball. “He took the time to guide me in this sport from middle school to college. He spent …every weekend helping me perfect my game and succeed to the best of my ability.” He not only taught her how to play but also gave her the fundamentals upon which she could build and continue to improve her game. Robin is tremendously proud of the fact that her parents attended every one of her games since she first started playing.

For Robin, basketball has always been a family activity. Her father taught her the game, and her parents and sister, Denise, gave their full support all the way through college. Her sister-in-law, Tiffany, played for Quinnipiac University. Robin’s husband of 11 years, Kris, played for Fairfield University and the University of Bridgeport. Their son, Anthony, is continuing the tradition.

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