About Champ's Camp

Steve Ciarcia's basketball journey started at an early age in the South End of Hartford playing with his older brothers and kids around the neighborhood. As he grew up, he began working basketball clinics with legendary South Catholic High School coach Joe Reilly Sr. and his two sons, Joe Jr. and Luke. This is where Steve took what he learned playing in the parks and combined it with what the Reillys taught him about the game - fundamentals and how to be a great leader and teammate. As fate would have it, after a storied career at South Catholic, Joe Reilly Sr. would become Steve's head basketball coach at Newington High School. Under the General's tutelage, Steve learned to play the game the right way and become successful on and off the court. Despite falling short of winning a state title in Class LL, they would be known as one of the best teams to come out of Newington High School, winning the powerful CCC Southern Conference in 1995. During his time at Newington, Steve was honored as a 2x All Conference player and Honorable Mention All State his senior year. He led his team in scoring, assists and steals his junior year. As a point guard, Steve was a leader and was a key part in the team's success. Steve then transitioned into coaching at an early age with Coach Luke Reilly at East Catholic High School, and working at a children's home for troubled youth, where he mentored, coached their basketball team, and taught them life lessons as well as the game of basketball. While an assistant coach at East Catholic, Steve continued to learn more about the game and how to be a leader, and was a part of two state championship teams. "Coach Luke is a huge reason why I'm able to teach kids the right way to play on and off the court. His positive attitude and commitment to the kids has definitely rubbed off on me."

 

Next, Steve embarked on a career with the Hartford Fire Department, where he worked hard and persevered to join the most recognized department in the state. There he learned how to work under extreme pressure and be a part of a great team to help save lives in the community. All this would have never been possible without the most important person in his life, his mother Maria Ficara Ciarcia, who had a heart of gold and the heart of a lion. She, more than anyone, taught Steve hard work, dedication and loyalty. And her faith in God stood above all else. "I'm proud to say she was my mom and I take after her. This new endeavor is 100% dedicated to her life." In her memory, Champ's Camp evolved into a setting where Steve looks to develop young athletes to be better all around youth, whether in basketball or life, and to never give up on their dreams. Thanks to everyone who has supported Champ's Camp! Be better all around... JESUS, FAMILY & BASKETBALL!