T.J.Caouette was a generational talent. By his eighth grade, tongues in Central Maine were wagging about this young prodigy who dwarfed opponents both physically and with his advanced skill set. The basketball world was impatient to see him perform on the big stage. T.J. did not disappoint as he led his Winthrop High School Ramblers to a Gold Ball his freshman year, 1993.
Caouette, at 6’8” was an unstoppable force throughout his high school career. His teams faced every conceivable defense specifically designed to keep the best player in the state under control. The Ramblers continued to dominate Western Maine Class C throughout his remaining years of high school and T.J. led them in every offensive category.
Moreover, T.J. was a two -time Press Herald Athlete of the Year in 1995 and 1996. He was also twice named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year in ’95 and ’96 and Mr. Basketball of Maine his senior year, 1996. In addition, Gatorade recognized T.J. as the New England Gatorade Player of the Year that same season.
As good a basketball player as he was, T.J. really excelled in the classroom. He graduated with high honors and had dozens of academic and athletic scholarships from which to choose. He chose to attend Villanova University in Philadelphia on a full basketball scholarship. While at Villanova, T.J. was an instrumental member of the Wild Cats, coming off the bench to give them instant offense and a reliable big man.
T.J. was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
He lives in Florida with wife Jackie. They have two children, Tyler, and Samantha.