In Episode 5 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Cole Bassett, midfielder for the Colorado Rapids and U.S. Men’s National Team. A homegrown talent from Colorado, Cole has carved out a remarkable path to professional soccer—rising through academy ranks, playing in Europe, and becoming a key player in Major League Soccer by age 23.
In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martínez, Cole shares the behind-the-scenes realities of becoming a pro—from extra reps after training to developing confidence, resilience, and the habits that sustain elite performance. He also reflects on his time in the Netherlands, the mental skills that help him play “free,” and the daily routines that keep his body and mind sharp.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
⚽ What pro coaches look for in youth players—and how to stand out in training.
⚽ Why technical consistency and competitive spirit matter more than flashy skills.
⚽ How extra work off the field (finishing, strength, mindset) separates top performers.
⚽ What it means to “play free”—and how to reach that level of confidence and flow.
⚽ How Cole fuels recovery with personalized strength, sleep, and nutrition protocols.
⚽ The key differences between soccer development in Europe vs. the U.S.
Whether you’re a player chasing the next level or a parent guiding that journey, this episode offers a clear, honest view of the path to professional soccer—and what it really takes to succeed.
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What Will You Discover in This Episode?
- The inside story of how Cole Bassett rose from a local academy to Major League Soccer.
- What top academy coaches look for when identifying future professionals.
- Why staying after practice with “a bag of balls” can change your trajectory.
- How to develop a technical edge that creates confidence—even against elite opponents.
- Why adding goal-scoring to your midfield game can become your “superpower.”
- How running off the ball is just as important as what you do on it.
- What Cole learned in Europe—and how it changed the way he trains, moves, and competes.
- The four pillars every player must master to truly “play free.”
- How to handle pressure, self-doubt, and failure without losing momentum.
- What it means to train with intention—and build a system that works for your body and mind.
This episode is packed with honest insights, proven habits, and actionable strategies from a player who’s lived the journey. If you’re serious about improving your game—on the field and off—it’s a must-listen.
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Introduction [0:00]
- Michael and Chris introduce Cole Bassett and set the stage for a deep dive into his journey from youth soccer to MLS and the national team.
Academy Beginnings [2:00]
- Cole’s move from Rush to the Colorado Rapids academy
- What coaches look for in young players with pro potential
- The challenges of breaking into a highly competitive team
Standing Out in Training [6:00]
- How Cole earned his place through consistency and extra work
- The impact of staying late, doing reps, and building a competitive edge
- Using goal-scoring as a differentiator for a midfielder
Technical Foundation [10:30]
- Cole’s focus on free kicks, finishing, and long balls
- Why “simple and sharp” beats flashy every time
- Developing trust in your technical skill under pressure
Movement and Off-the-Ball IQ [13:30]
- What Cole learned in Europe about timing and sharp movement
- Understanding pressing cues and how to exploit space
- How to use movement to influence defenders
Coach Perspective [18:00]
- Chris explains the internal evaluation process at pro academies
- How player behavior off the field factors into pro potential
- What goes into selecting a player for a homegrown contract
The Physical Pillar [21:00]
- When Cole realized the importance of strength and injury prevention
- Customizing his own off-season training with explosiveness in mind
- Balancing lifting, plyometrics, and soccer-specific conditioning
Pro Routine & Recovery [25:00]
- Cole’s daily rhythm: activation, gym, hot/cold therapy, video review
- How the Rapids support recovery through partner clinics
- Using tech and wearables to monitor readiness
Hydration, Nutrition & Sleep [29:00]
- Personalized nutrition, supplements, and in-house chefs
- Electrolytes, creatine, smoothies, and hydration strategy
- Why sleep is Cole’s most powerful recovery tool
Mindset & Game Prep [33:00]
- How Cole mentally prepares for opponents and big games
- Visualization strategies and building belief through repetition
- The importance of watching highlights to inspire confidence
Handling Tough Moments [40:00]
- Staying locked in after mistakes
- Using the “next play” mindset to stay present and effective
- Blocking out outside pressure to stay focused
Self-Evaluation & In-Game Growth [43:00]
- How Cole reflects on his performance during a match
- Using real-time feedback to adjust and improve
- Learning to read defenders and use information to your advantage
Mastering the Midfield [45:00]
- The top traits a central midfielder needs to succeed
- Dribbling under pressure, scanning, and being two-footed
- Why unpredictability is a midfielder’s best weapon
Playing Free [50:00]
- What it really means to “play free”
- The four pillars (technical, tactical, physical, mindset) that must be in place
- The connection between preparation and freedom
European vs. U.S. Development [53:00]
- What Cole noticed in Dutch training environments
- How intensity, detail, and movement patterns differ abroad
- Bringing those lessons back to MLS
Success & Advice [57:00]
- How Cole defines success—on and off the field
- Why players must believe in themselves and invest in extra work
- What he wishes he’d known earlier—and what young players should do now
