About Legacy Hoops Academy
After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1983, Tom Schuster started as a clerk at Hirshfield’s and steadily worked his way up to the C-suite, becoming the Chief Financial Officer of the century-old, family-owned decorating business.
But in 2006 the former seminary student wrestled with his purpose. During a symposium on faith in the workplace, Tom listened as the speaker (a Jewish scholar) shared the four common regrets most individuals have in their final days. Two resonated with Tom: “I wish I would have taken more risks in my career, and I wish I would have done more to make a difference in the lives of people, especially children.”
“I wondered, ‘Am I being true to my calling?’ ” Tom recalls. “I didn’t feel that I was called to be a corporate CFO.”
So Tom departed Hirshfield’s and partnered with former Timberwolves player Chris Carr to create 43 Hoops, an homage to Chris’ jersey number, which was a tribute to his mother’s age when he was born.
In April 2007, 43 Hoops opened with one client, a small and scrappy eighth-grader from Minnetonka who would eventually earn a Division I football scholarship. CLUB 43 Volleyball started the following year.
In the years since, 43 Hoops and CLUB 43 have provided elite coaches and trainers to thousands of student-athletes at varying levels of skill, becoming the premier development center for basketball and volleyball players in the region. Its primary facility, centrally located in Hopkins, features regulation-sized hardwood courts as well as performance training offered through Wellefast. The facility offers ample free parking and a spacious lobby with concessions, televisions, and free Wi-Fi. There are also several off-site programs at select venues throughout the Twin Cities metro.
In the spring of 2016, Tom took on full ownership of 43 Hoops. Tom isn’t comfortable being highlighted in this way, preferring always to be in the background. But Tom is proud of his staff and 43 Hoops’ commitment to challenge and inspire athletes of all ages and talent levels through basketball and volleyball.
“It’s important for kids to know that sports will teach you that life is not fair,” Tom says. “You may not be the star on the team. You may not play a lot. But don’t drop your head and quit. Accept the role that you are on the team, embrace it, and always do your best.”
Mission Statement
43 Hoops Basketball Academy and CLUB 43 Volleyball empowers each young athlete to fulfill his or her potential in basketball and volleyball, and develop habits and skills that will serve them off the court.
Values
- Integrity — All 43 Hoops and CLUB 43 coaches and employees abide by the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. We are transparent, honest and ethical in all our interactions with peers, clients, consumers, vendors and the general public.
- Excellence — 43 Hoops and CLUB 43 coaches passionately pour into student-athletes with their experience, insight and immense knowledge.
- Expertise — Whether you’re in Rochester or Rome, we embrace every opportunity to showcase our unique and innovative approach to raising up talented athletes and respectful citizens.
- Inclusion — We believe sports unifies people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class, and aspire to not allow any barrier from keeping someone interested in 43 Hoops or CLUB 43 from joining us.