Athlete Spotlight: Lakeland Goalkeeper Nick Bassani
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Lakeland’s Nick Bassani makes a save.
Credits: File Photo/Rob DiAntonio
By MIKE SABINI
August 21, 2019 at 11:13 AM

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. – Rising Lakeland senior goalkeeper Nick Bassani is entering his second year on the Hornets’ boys varsity soccer squad. Bassani, who is coming off an All-League campaign from a year ago, is one of the Hornets’ captains.

How old were you when you started playing soccer and what got you started?

I was 4 when I started playing soccer and my dad played soccer when he was younger, so I wanted to do the same.

What is your favorite thing about being on the soccer team at Lakeland?

My teammates and coaches, and the relationships we have built over the past years.

What is your favorite team activity or pregame or postgame ritual that you share with your teammates? What about a personal pregame or postgame ritual?

My teammates and I huddle up on the field and have a pre-game talk before every game, and when playing a game I always put my right glove on before my left.

Do you have any goals for your final season at Lakeland?

Win a section title.

Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them?

Coach (Tim) Hourahan has been a major role model in my life not only on the field but off the field as well.

Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know?

My friend and I have our own brand of merch.

Do you plan on continuing playing soccer in college? Tell us about where you are going to school and why you chose it?

I am undecided on whether I want to play in college.

Do you know what you want to study in college? If yes, what are you planning on studying and why?

I am planning on studying business in college, I would like to be a successful businessman one day.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and pro (or college) sports team?

Baker Mayfield, New York Rangers.

What is your favorite music to listen to warming up for a game?

Rap.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Reading people’s minds so I can know what everyone is thinking about.

If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go and why?

Russia, seems like an interesting country that would be great to visit and see in person.

What is your favorite food to eat before or after a game?

Pasta.

Best place to eat in Yorktown and why?

Bob-B-Q’s. The food is always great and the owner and the staff are always friendly.

Facebook, Twitter or Instagram? Why?

Instagram. It’s a great way to see what’s going on.

What would you tell a young athlete growing up in the Lakeland district about the experience of being part of the soccer team and why should they go out for the team?

The experience is something I will remember for the rest of my life and joining Lakeland isn’t just being a part of a team, it’s being a part of a family