ABOUT TEAM GRS
ABOUT TEAM GRS
DeAndré Fenard Austin
is a West Compton-East Long Beach native, raised by his mother and grandparents in the heart of Compton. Coming up during a time when gang violence escalated due to drugs and guns flooding the community, he found refuge and direction through basketball—a path his mother encouraged at an early age to keep him safe.
Playing on the neighborhood courts at Laurel Street Elementary School, where even a game could come with risks, DeAndré developed resilience, discipline, and purpose. Basketball became his passport—earning him a full-ride scholarship to Fresno State University and a professional career overseas.
Guided by mentors like Coach Jackie Myers, Coach Wayne Merino, and Coach Tom Marumoto, he learned the value of work ethic, perseverance, and staying the course. Today, DeAndré is the founder of Team GRS Nonprofit Organization, the founder & host of the Breaking the Trap Podcast, and the creator of Gym Rat Squad Interactive Comic Book & Animated Series, using his story and platform to inspire young people to overcome adversity on their road to success.
DeAndré Fenard Austin
is a West Compton-East Long Beach native, raised by his mother and grandparents in the heart of Compton. Coming up during a time when gang violence escalated due to drugs and guns flooding the community, he found refuge and direction through basketball—a path his mother encouraged at an early age to keep him safe.
Playing on the neighborhood courts at Laurel Street Elementary School, where even a game could come with risks, DeAndré developed resilience, discipline, and purpose. Basketball became his passport—earning him a full-ride scholarship to Fresno State University and a professional career overseas.
Guided by mentors like Coach Jackie Myers, Coach Wayne Merino, and Coach Tom Marumoto, he learned the value of work ethic, perseverance, and staying the course. Today, DeAndré is the founder of Team GRS 501(c)(3), the founder & host of the Breaking the Trap Podcast, and the creator of Gym Rat Squad Interactive Comic Book & Animated Series, using his story and platform to inspire young people to overcome adversity on their road to success.