Biography

T.J. DiStefano Bio-     A dedicated basketball player and coach from Bryan, Texas, has built a multifaceted career in the sport, spanning from high school stardom to collegiate play across multiple institutions, semi-professional basketball, and now leading as a high school coach. Born on August 22, 1996, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to parents James and Jennifer DiStefano, he grew up in Bryan, where his father serves as a team doctor for Texas A&M athletics, including the men's basketball program.  He majored in sports management during his college years, with aspirations to become a coach—a goal he has since achieved.

 High School Career

 DiStefano attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan, Texas, where he was a four-year basketball letterwinner under coach Lance Giese. He earned TAPPS Class 3A All-District honors as a junior in 2013 and as a senior in 2014. During his senior season, he averaged 19.4 points per game, helping lead the Eagles to a 22-10 record and a playoff berth. His standout performance included a career-high 34 points against Waco's Reicher High School. DiStefano also lettered for two seasons in baseball and was a member of the National Honor Society. He played AAU basketball with Texas Elite ADIDAS in 2013 and Prep Star Elite in 2014.

 College Career

 DiStefano's collegiate journey began at Texas A&M University, a Division I program, during the 2015-16 season. As a freshman, he appeared in 11 games, logging 14 total minutes during the Aggies' SEC Championship-winning campaign, contributing to the team's success in a reserve role.

Following his time at Texas A&M, DiStefano transferred to Blinn Junior College in nearby Bryan, Texas, for the 2016-17 season. As a member of the Buccaneers' men's basketball team, he demonstrated strong academic performance alongside his athletic commitments, earning a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for the fall semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Specific on-court statistics from his Blinn tenure highlight his dedication as a student-athlete in the NJCAA program.

 DiStefano completed his college basketball career at Schreiner University, a Division III school in Kerrville, Texas, where he played as a guard for the Mountaineers during the 2018-19 season. This stop allowed him to continue developing his skills in a competitive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) environment.

Professional Career

 As of 2025, DiStefano is actively playing semi-professionally for the Texas Seraphim, an American Basketball Association (ABA) team based in Universal City, Texas. Competing in the ABA's Southwest Division, he continues to showcase his skills as a guard, contributing to the Seraphim's roster with his experience and versatility developed through years of competitive play.

 Coaching Career

 In addition to his playing career, DiStefano fulfilled his aspiration to coach by returning to his roots in Bryan. He currently serves as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Allen Academy, a private Christian school located at 3201 Boonville Road in Bryan, Texas. In this role, he draws on his extensive playing experience to mentor young athletes, fostering both their basketball abilities and personal growth. DiStefano's journey reflects a deep passion for basketball, seamlessly balancing his roles as a semi-professional player and coach while remaining deeply connected to the Bryan community and Texas A&M's athletic family.