Peekskill's Cami Basso Named "Coach of the Year"

Congratulations to Peekskill Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Cami Basso, who recently won the title of “Coach of the Year” from the Westchester/ Rockland/Putnam/Dutchess Coach’s Association.

Basso was nominated for the award by a group of her peers which included coaches from the Hendrick Hudson, Ossining, Beacon, Lakeland, and Walter Panas high schools.

Prior to her current coaching position, Basso spent a year coaching at Yorktown Central School District and a year at Hendrick Hudson Central School District before coming to Peekskill three years ago.

As soccer player in high school, Basso was awarded an All-Section title for several seasons and played in one of the top premier teams in New York. While these accomplishments stand out in Basso’s memory, she says that receiving the Coach of the Year award means more to her than any other award she has won in the past.

“One of the best compliments you can receive is when you are chosen amongst your peers,” Basso said.

Since coming to Peekskill, Basso says that she is proud to be a part of the growing Girls Soccer program and notes that it has been a steady climb for her team in terms of victories over the past few seasons.

“We train all year round,” Basso said about her team. “We have created a family. The girls have a great relationship with each other and work hard to accomplish team goals.”

Basso is also quick to credit her co-coach Ted Bitter, who helps train the girls alongside her.

“This team would not be where it is today without Coach Ted Bitter,” Basso said. “He started coaching with me after my first season and he is a great coach.”

In addition to her regular coaching responsibilities, Basso has also gone above and beyond to help her team secure numerous opportunities to improve their game. After receiving a generous donation form the Cullinton/Gunterburg Foundation, Basso was able to send members of her team to West Point’s soccer sleep away camp and enrolled team members in Joe Palumbo’s Soccer Academy. She also used the funding to purchase all of the necessary equipment for the girls to participate in these activities.

“It is not just about the game of soccer, but my ultimate goal is for the girls to gain a good work ethic, which is something that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives.”

“I am passionate about this team,” Basso added. “I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”

Photo: Coach Cami Basso stands with one of her players, Lilly Cummings at a recent Sports Awards Dinner held at Peekskill Middle School in November.