October 1st 2024.
Sam Bassett’s time as a carefree and playful kid, both on and off the soccer field, is coming to an end. After years of hard work and dedication as a midfielder for the University of Denver men’s soccer team, he is finally seeing the fruits of his labor. With his eyes set on the next level, Bassett has made the decision to forgo the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
Last season, as a junior, Bassett was voted second-team All-American. Despite leading a team riddled with injuries to a 12-3-5 record and a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Littleton native is destined for even greater things. However, he chose to stay at DU, feeling that his journey was not yet complete.
Now, as the best player on the top-ranked team in the country, Bassett has proven his worth with 10 goal contributions in just nine games. The Pioneers have remained undefeated and have held the top spot in the Top Drawer Soccer rankings for three consecutive weeks. This is a new height for the team, whose history, especially in the past decade, has never seen them ranked higher than third.
Despite their success, Bassett and his team are not satisfied. Their ultimate goal is to win the national championship. Last season was derailed by injuries to three key players, including defenders Trevor Wright and Ronan Wynne, who were out for the entire 2023 season. Team captain and Bassett’s midfield partner, Ben Smith, also suffered a season-ending injury after playing only six games. However, the Pioneers still managed to only concede one goal in the Summit League during the regular season. With most of the team returning this year, they are determined to make this season their best yet.
This season also holds personal significance for Bassett, as it will be his last in the crimson and gold of DU. Along with a few other important seniors, including Wynne and Smith, he knows that this is their last chance to bring home a national championship. So, they have put in the work during the offseason, with a focus on both physical and mental strength. According to Pioneers coach Jamie Franks, Bassett has risen to the challenge and has improved in areas where he was previously weak. His dedication and determination have served as a model for the rest of the team.
For Bassett, this has meant improving his defensive skills, such as tracking back and positioning himself better on defense. This has required him to become fitter and stronger both physically and mentally. Franks has noticed a significant improvement in Bassett’s reliability on the field, which has been crucial for the team’s success.
Bassett’s younger brother, Cole Bassett, is a Homegrown midfielder for the Colorado Rapids and has also witnessed his brother’s growth and improvement over the years. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the brothers were able to spend more time training together, which only fueled their competitive nature. Now, with busy schedules and training with their respective teams, they don’t get to train together as often. However, they still find ways to compete and motivate each other through their performances on the field.
As the Pioneers begin their Summit League schedule, there is a sense of urgency among the team. With key players down to their last year of eligibility, they are determined to make it count. However, their focus remains on the process and not just the outcome. They know that winning a national championship is an outcome, and their goal is to continue improving and perfecting their skills. As Franks puts it, Bassett represents everything that the team should strive for – using their strengths, working on their weaknesses, and finishing the job.
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