Stephen Basso

I am an Italian/American dual citizen born in San Jose, Costa Rica. I started playing soccer at 5 years old in New Delhi, India and have been fortunate enough to play the game all over the world, including professionally in Europe. I grew up and graduated high school in Columbia, Maryland before embarking on my professional playing career and coaching career. I have now been coaching for 17+ years and have been a director at nationally ranked clubs for 10 of those years. I have a love and passion for this game that goes beyond words, helping young players achieve their goals and dreams to play at higher levels, and to guide them to be the best versions of themselves both on and off the field is my why and what fuels me to give my best each and every day. My coaching principles are also principles of life, teamwork, discipline, commitment, resilience & perseverance, responsibility & accountability, and hard work & mental toughness. My coaching style is possession based, build from the back, to keep the ball and be confident on the ball, break lines & pressure together and get into the attacking third, creative play 1v1s 2v1s, combination play and the freedom to create chances once in the attacking third. I have been a part of Naples Elite for a little over a year and am looking forward to our continued growth both on and off the field, and to continue helping our youth community through the beautiful game for years to come!