Utica University Athletics

A three-year captain, team most valuable player, and dedicated student-athlete, DJ Carstensen played a major role in transforming the landscape of the Utica College
men’s basketball program.

Following a successful high school career, the two-time Iowa High School All-State selection joined Utica College’s first-ever Division I men’s basketball team in 1981. Over the next four years, the 6-foot-8 forward guided the Pioneers to 41 victories, 37 of which came in his final three seasons, under legendary Head Coach Larry Costello. DJ currently ranks 13th on the all-time scoring list with 962 career points. His dedication to Utica College basketball was displayed day after day, and he is one of only seven players in program history to appear in more than 100 games. He was known for his great hands and smooth mid-range jump shot, which translated into 390 career field goals, good for eighth all-time at UC. He was a 74.3 percent free throw shooter for his career, and he grabbed 465 career rebounds.

In his final two seasons, DJ led UC in rebounding, shot better than 50 percent from the floor, and scored in double figures more than 40 times. In his senior campaign, the Pioneers won a then-best 15 games, including two victories against eventual postseason teams. The season’s highlight was a stunning 69-61 upset of NIT-bound ECAC North Atlantic powerhouse Canisius. The Pioneers then pushed Marquette to the brink of defeat before losing by a bucket in overtime.

Today, he remains close to the game by traveling across the country as a Division I men’s basketball referee. Over the course of the past 11 seasons he has generated an impressive officiating résumé, which includes four consecutive NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournaments, two Atlantic 10 Championships,
and two NITs.

A native of Milwaukee, WI, DJ is the architectural and general contractor representative for Erie Materials. He graduated from Utica College with a degree in public relations and journalism. He and his wife, Carolyn, are the parents of three children, Matt, Chad, and Camryn.