Austin Ford

Coach Ford began his prep career by attending Florida High University School, later transferring after his freshman year to Qunicy Shanks. At Quincy Shanks, Coach Ford was a three-year letterman, assisting Quincy Shanks to three district titles in ’97, ’98, and ’99 under 2019 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Greg Clayborne (Rockledge HS). Quincy Shanks led the state of Florida in doubles, triples, and stolen bases in ’98 and ’99. Coach Ford was named the team’s Most Improved Player as a Junior. Earning All-Big Bend honors in ’98 and ’99 respectively with batting averages over .380.

Due to personal circumstances, Coach Ford had to bypass MLB FA signing with the Colorado Rockies along with Division I opportunities.  Coach Ford answered another call, which led him to serve our great country in the United States Air Force for eight great years during 9/11 with tours in Iraqi and Afghanistan as an intelligence officer. After serving, Coach Ford completed his master’s degree in digital forensics from the University of Central Florida. Coach Ford’s coaching experience comes from being an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Del Rio High School from 2002 to 2005 while serving. Coach Ford started one of the first travel ball programs in Hillsborough County from ’08 to ’11 with serving as player development to Coach Bill Leiby and assisting neighboring high school baseball programs as an infield advisor. Coach Ford brings tons of organization and streamlined processes to CBU from his professional life. Coach Ford is our Chief of Randomness. Coach Ford is married to his wife formerly Sharon Solante, his son Austin Jr. (12), and his two daughters Ayva (8) and Ariya (6).