Austin-Russell Earns Gamer of the Week Honors

Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald are pleased to present this week’s Female Gamer of the Week to Sophomore Triniti Austin-Russell of the St. Albans High School Swim team. 

Triniti Austin-Russell, a dynamic point guard/shooting guard for the St. Albans Lady Dragons basketball team is making waves on the court and proving that hard work, determination, and a love for the game can take you far. 

At just 16 years old, Triniti’s journey into basketball began when she was around five years old. Growing up watching her brother, Wayne, play, she was inspired to follow in his footsteps. “I wanted to do everything like him,” Triniti recalls, “so I picked up the sport because I loved being around the game.” What started as a passion to emulate her brother has blossomed into a love for the sport that fuels her every time she steps onto the floor. 

After playing for over a decade, Triniti is now a key player for her team. As a starting guard, she has earned recognition as Player of the Game multiple times this season and has now been honored as Gamer of the Week. Averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, Triniti has been instrumental in the team's success, including hitting a game-winning buzzer-beater against Cabell Midland, securing their spot in the MSAC title game. 

Triniti's passion for basketball is matched only by her dedication to the game. “The environment is what I love most about basketball,” she says. “Every time I step on the floor, the only thing I think about is the game. Nothing else matters.” Her commitment to the sport and her team has made her a quiet yet powerful leader in her first season as a starter. 

Head Coach Elias Gregory has been impressed with Triniti’s growth. “Triniti has grown leaps and bounds this season. In her first year as a starter, she’s learning to play her role, and quietly becoming a leader on the team. The sky’s the limit for where she can go as she gets more and more experience,” he shares. 

Looking ahead, Triniti is focused on taking her team all the way to the championship. “My goal for this season is to make it to the Civic Center and win a championship,” she says confidently. With a strong sense of teamwork and a desire to keep improving, Triniti believes the team can achieve great things. 

Off the court, Triniti plans to continue her journey in basketball beyond high school. She hopes to attend a Division I college and play basketball while pursuing a major in engineering. “I believe in my ability to achieve anything I set my mind to, as long as I stay consistent and have a good work ethic.” she says, drawing inspiration from her brother Wayne, who currently plays Division I football at Kent State University. 

Triniti’s work ethic, leadership, and determination are setting the stage for a bright future, both on and off the court. As the MSAC title game approaches, there’s no doubt that Triniti will continue to shine as one of the standout players in her league. 

Please look for other local high school athletes to be named in next week’s Female Gamer of the Week Sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald.

MEGAN SCARBERRY, MS, CPT, POTENTIAL PLUS INSTRUCTOR AT TEAYS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER INC.