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Coach Cleve Christie huddles with his players during a game against the Coral Academy of Science.
Basketball Coach Cleve Christie’s career at Solebury School began with a dream. Give young men and women an opportunity to attend a small independent school that offers a top-notch education, nurtures them as human beings and gives them the chance to showcase their athletic skills through basketball. Thirty years later, Christie’s dream has surpassed his expectations with more than 100 students who have participated in a competitive basketball program that has topped 450 wins under his leadership. “Coach Cleve Christie is an asset to Solebury School in so many ways,” said Rob Eichem, Solebury’s Athletic Director. “On the
court, Cleve has amassed more than 465 career wins over 32 seasons. He has a .593 career winning percentage, coached seven 1000point scorers, and helped many young men realize their dream to play basketball at the next level.” Christie’s desire to build community and nurture talent was strengthened early in his career when he served as Director of Community Service with the Trenton Housing Authority and as coach and founder of the first athletic program for public housing. Cleve retired from the Housing Authority in 2012 but continued to work with talented athletes. With Christie’s knowledge of basketball and his mantra of good
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sportsmanship, athletic and academic excellence resounding in every team he leads, it’s no wonder he’s had this kind of success. “I tell my players that being able to put the basketball in the hole does not make you special,” said Cleve. “What makes you special is to be able to go into the classroom and excel, walk around the campus and socially be one of the best, and then put the ball in the basket. With those three qualities, you become someone special on and off the court.” In the eyes of Malcolm Ingram ’10, Cleve Christie is a legend. Malcolm amassed 1,015 points in just two seasons with Solebury and then went on to