Coach: Jose Basulto
Coaching philosophy:
"As a coach, I want to help my athletes achieve their goals and be a great mentor to them throughout their soccer career. I want to help these young athletes achieve the dreams I once had as a child and apply what I learned from my own coaches to them. Furthermore, I want to pass on what I have learned through my experience as a soccer player to them in order for them to reach greater heights.
Creating an environment that is relaxed and conducive to learning is important. We must always provide positive feedback to each of our athletes, while explicitly telling them how they can improve their soccer abilities.
Lastly, we must remember that what we do and say as a coach plays a significant role in building the player’s character; therefore, we must always provide our best leadership as coaches and mentors by staying attentive to our athletes’ behavior on and off the field. By modeling, we as coaches can set the example for our young players."
Jose Basulto grew up in Irving, Texas, and played for numerous soccer clubs, including soccer clubs that have competed in the Classic League. His soccer career began with the Irving Eagles as a striker, during the years of 1998-2008. He then transitioned to a team based in Oak Cliff, Texas, and played alongside assistant coach, William Sanchez. Together, they competed in the Classic League, O.C. United Soccer Club. He played for a season there. Then, he transitioned to a team based off a professional Mexican team called San Luis Futbol Club, where he played 2009-2010. After that, Coach Basulto went on to play with the DFW Tornados. At MacArthur High School, he was named most valuable player during his freshman year. Additionally, he formed part of the varsity soccer team during his sophomore, junior, and senior year.
At the age of 17, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Upon graduating high school in 2011, it was this diagnosis which led him to the decision to discontinue his career as a soccer player. Passionate for the sport which he grew up playing, he decided to continue his soccer career, not as a player, but as a coach for a youth soccer team, Texas United.
Currently, he lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is studying to become an Athletic Trainer at the University of North Texas. His expected graduation year is the Spring of 2019.