Webster, Chris

Chris Webster graduated from Terryville High School and continued her education at Southern Connecticut State College. After graduation, Chris started teaching and coaching at North Branford where she led the Thunderbirds to four State Championships during her 30 years as Head Coach. The 1976 championship was the first-ever state championship – boys or girls – for the North Branford School. That marked the beginning of an incredible career for Webster.

The Lady T-Birds advanced to the Class “M” State Championship but lost to Kolbe-Cathedral in 1977. Chris took a leave of absence the following year to complete her doctoral residency requirement at Springfield College. She later served as an assistant coach at Wesleyan University for two years before the opportunity arose in 1983 to return as the head coach of the North Branford girls.

The Thunderbirds won a second State championship in 1986 and played through a perfect 26-0 season in 1986-87, culminating in another State championship. The fourth state Championship banner was earned in 1989. The class of ’89 had an exceptional record of 95 wins and 6 losses and was part of a 53-game winning streak that lasted from March 7, 1986 until March 5, 1988. The Lady T-Birds dominated the Shoreline Conference during these years, winning the league titles in 1987 – 1989. They were a league power from 2000 – 2002 when they garnered a perfect 30 – 0 record, again winning the league titles in 2001 and 2002.

Chris has received numerous Coach of the Year Awards -- including the CHSCA Award in 1989. She was named the District 1 Regional winner of the National Coaches’ Association in both 1994 and 2003. Chris has also been recognized by the New Haven Register and the New Haven Tap-Off Club. Many of her players have received First Team All-Conference and All-State Awards and one, Holly Oslander, was named an All-American. Several have continued playing basketball at the collegiate level.

Chris has garnered more than 440 career wins during her 30 years as NBHS basketball coach. She has been able to teach and coach while also serving as the Athletic Director at North Branford for the last 16 years. Chris was inducted into the Northeast Agenda Hall of Fame in 1988.

On the state level, Chris has been the long-time chairperson for the Connecticut High School Coaches’ Association Girls’ All-Star Festival which features a double-header showcasing the top senior players in the state. She has also served for many years on the C.I.A.C Girls’ Basketball Committee.