An illustration shows Guest Writer Basil Mattox playing soccer. Mattox has engaged in the sport for a long time, but as a teenager, realized that coaching was a role that better suited his interests. “I found myself watching videos of play-by-play analyses and tactical breakdowns rather than compilations of the best dribblers or strikers in the world, which is when I knew that I didn’t want to just be a player, I wanted to be a coach,” Mattox wrote. Illustration by Tess Van Wagtendonk
Guest Writer Basil Mattox discusses the role soccer has played in his life and how he wants it to be a part of his future.
Watching soccer is an exhilarating experience for many people. Across the globe, viewers are inspired by the excitement, the flair and the power seen in such big moments of the game.
While other kids celebrated the individual performances of their favorite players by emulating their skills and collecting their jerseys, I always knew that success on the field ran much deeper than the athletes’ inspiring moves.
What interested me more were the shapes that emerged: how and where players moved to utilize the space they had and how different patterns opened up different opportunities. I found myself watching videos of play-by-play analyses and tactical breakdowns rather than compilations of the best dribblers or strikers in the world, which is when I knew that I didn’t want to just be a player, I wanted to be a coach.
On the brink of my teenage years is when I vowed to myself that I would work to become one of the best coaches in the world, leading top teams to the highest accomplishments.
Today, I am actively working toward professional credibility. One of the greatest strides I have taken in doing so is completing an online German coaching course, where I earned an Associate Degree. Alongside this, I have built a strong professional presence connecting with coaches and soccer professionals across Europe. I have taken initiative in my education, sought out professional networks and positioned myself for real opportunities.
At this stage, I see myself as ready to transition from personal pursuits to a more curated academic pathway which aligns with the soccer environment.
My primary goal in the short-term is to be coaching a professional youth team in Germany, where I can contribute to player development while refining my own tactical knowledge. I also want to pursue work as an assistant coach or analyst at a professional club, gaining hands-on experience in match preparation, training design and in-game decision-making.
These roles would allow me to learn directly from experienced coaches while proving my value within competitive environments. While ambitious, I believe these goals are realistic through consistent work, learning and performance.
From my early fascination with tactics and team structure to my current academic and professional pursuits, each step has been intentional.
I want to be known not only for my tactical knowledge, but also for my leadership, work ethic and ability to develop both players and teams.
To reach these targets, I will rely on a combination of education, experience and professional development.. An academic foundation will prepare me not only to coach, but also to understand the broader structure and demands of soccer organizations.
Alongside my academic pursuits, seeking opportunities within professional clubs will be crucial for my development. Being surrounded by such elite environments will accelerate my growth and expose me to professional standards on a daily basis.
Mentorship, collaboration and consistent communication will be essential tools in my progression.
My journey toward becoming a professional soccer coach is already well under way. From my early fascination with tactics and team structure to my current academic and professional pursuits, each step has been intentional.
As I continue, I want to gain experience, build credibility and contribute meaningfully to the teams I serve. With the right education, strategic location and strong professional network, I will turn ambition into reality.
