BAASL Featured Player: Enes Mentese

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

Soccer has always been a calling, even though it wasn't a familial tradition or a childhood pastime. Middle school offered me the chance to join a team, and from there, I never looked back. Making the A team and clinching the undefeated championship was an exhilarating start to organized soccer, igniting a passion that propelled me through high school varsity level play, and even into college club teams. As my engineering studies took precedence, I found solace and joy in leisure leagues like intramurals, where the love for the game kept me connected with like-minded individuals.

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

The unwavering support and camaraderie of my friends have been instrumental in nurturing my passion for soccer. Together, we honed our skills, trained tirelessly, and celebrated each other's successes, fostering an environment of growth and inspiration.

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

While I don't adhere to superstitions, the routine of preparing for a game – from donning cleats to warming up with technical drills – serves as my practical ritual. Yet, beyond the physical, I find solace in clearing my mind, focusing solely on the present moment, and embracing the freedom that soccer affords me.

What do you like about the league?

The BAASL embodies everything I cherish about soccer – a community of kindred spirits bound by a shared love for the sport. Over the past 8 years, I've forged countless friendships and shared memorable moments with remarkable people who, like me, are here simply to have fun and revel in the beautiful game.

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

Outside of soccer, my head is in the clouds (quite literally) with a passion for cross-country paragliding which takes me on exhilarating journeys from thermal to thermal, spanning distances of hundreds of kilometers. One of my most memorable feats was covering a staggering 235 kilometers, flying from the heights of Mt. Diablo all the way to Fresno, completing the awe-inspiring journey in just five hours. Paragliding has also taken me across the globe, competing alongside 150 other pilots, racing over 100 kilometers each day for seven consecutive days, in profound locations around the world. It's a breathtaking exploration of our planet, offering unparalleled adventures both in the skies and on the ground. And when I'm not chasing the clouds in my paraglider, you'll often find me chasing the winds racing kitefoils on the bay.

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

While I may not closely follow soccer, I admire players like Messi for their extraordinary skill and seemingly genuine kindness, traits that transcend the game and make them true icons.

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

Reflecting on my journey, memories of pure joy flood my mind – from spirited matches with grad school peers to magical nights under field lights during my high school career. Each experience, whether scoring a goal or simply reveling in the camaraderie, has left an indelible mark on my love for soccer.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

As soccer continues to surge in popularity across the U.S., I envision a future marked by inclusivity and enjoyment. While technical prowess may vary, the shared love for the game will drive its growth, fostering a community where players of all levels can come together to improve and, most importantly, have fun.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself with the BAASL community?

Beyond the soccer field, I channel my passion for innovation as a robotics engineer and serial entrepreneur. While not all ventures have flourished, each endeavor has enriched my journey, leading to exciting projects like a camera kite mount for kiteboarding and cutting-edge contributions to augmented reality and custom drone technology.

BAASL Featured Player: Peter Limata

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

My name is Peter Limata. I have played soccer for over 35 years now. I was born and raised in soccer-crazy Zambia. Home of the 1988 African Footballer of the year and home of the 2012 African Cup of Nations Champions. 
I played in Zambia in primary school as competing there begins in the early grades. I played high school and college and in the lower pro leagues in Zambia and college here in the US. I have been a student athlete all my life in cross country and track and field in addition to soccer. 
I have played in BAASL and other adult leagues since 2013. I am also a grassroots soccer referee and coach. 

What do you like about the league?

I like that BAASL has high standards/expectations of participating teams and individuals. I like that BAASL has multiple levels of soccer experience which allows for many to participate in the beautiful game at a level comfortable to them. I love that BAASL is responsive to player voices and community voices. I love that BAASL is a place for all to come and enjoy soccer. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

Outside of playing soccer, I enjoy reading, organizing, enjoying the arts especially theater, playing scrabble, road biking and traveling. And I love watching all soccer but most especially watching my beloved Manchester United and the Oakland Roots and Soul.

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

I admire Marcus Rashford for his talent but perhaps most importantly for his advocacy work for low-income students and their families. Marcus' work advocating for free lunches in schools especially during the pandemic is more than a humanity story but it is also a social justice story for those in our communities with less heard voices.

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

Zambia Men National Team winning the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Celebrating with my family and friends in the streets of Lusaka. 
Zambia Women National Team Playing at Zambia's first ever senior World Cup in New Zealand in July/August 2023. It was an honor to be in the stadium for all the games and to hear the National Anthem booming through the arenas. 
Manchester United winning the 1999 Champions League final with two added time goals to turn around a 0-1 deficit.  

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

My uncle, my mom's brother, took me, as a kid, to watch soccer at stadiums and on TV and that was the beginning of a lifelong love. He also bought me my first soccer team replica jersey (Man United's Peter Schmeichel goalie replica).

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

I don't eat anything two hours or less to game time. I play hype music/victory anthems to psych myself up. The bigger the game, the more music.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

I have certainly seen growth in the game in the time I have been living in the US. I think what will be truly impactful in the growth of soccer would be if:
--We got rid of the pay to play model that is predominantly the model for youth soccer.
--there was more investment in youth programs that support participation in soccer especially among socially economically disadvantaged communities.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself with the BAASL community?

I am passionate about teaching that empowers students and encourages equity of access and participation.
I am a social justice, reading, and literacy champion. I believe in the positive representation of BIPOC in literature. I believe in having big and hard conversations and critically analyzing issues. I believe bias and discrimination exist and it is up to each one of us to call them out and assess our own privilege and how that privilege impacts our communities especially the marginalized groups. 
I am a soccer referee, including here at BAASL. See you on the field!!

The young and the young at heart can find me at storytimewithmrlimata.com for story times and wholesome conversations.
Find Story Time with Mr. Limata online: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

BAASL Featured Player: Yvette Flores

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

From the age of 4 years old until I got my BFA in Dance Theater 10 years ago, dance was my primary athletic sport/art form. Being a professional dancer has always allowed me the space to show up into sports spaces with the agility, strength and drive to perform well under pressure even as a rookie. This season with the teal Dynamo women’s team was my very first season of soccer ever and I loved hearing from my teammates that I have good instincts plus I can run really fast. I can thank dance for those skills!

What do you like about the league?

As a rookie, I can say my teammates were my favorite part of the league this season. They welcomed me with open arms and coached me through the season with patience and passion. They really inspired me to continue working hard each game and to learn the game of soccer more quickly!

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

I love hanging out with my partner, my friends and spending time catching up with my family in SoCal. Plus dancing whether at the gym, at nightclubs or outside at a park. I'm also the Head Coach at IBX Fitness in Albany, CA. This is where I spend my time enjoying building the community strong through group strength training. 

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

My 2 soccer figures who I admire are my dad and my niece. I grew up around soccer as my dad loves the sport. He was always watching games after he retired, and went to a lot of LA Galaxy games. Seeing his passion I always wanted to play, but dance got in the way. Then, over the past 2 years my niece who is now 10 years old has been an unstoppable soccer player! She's a fearless goalie and an incredible powerhouse on the field. Her AYSO team recently went undefeated during Spring Select, which was so awesome to watch from afar!

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

I scored my first goal during the 3rd game of the BAASL Thursday Women’s 8v8 San Pablo season. As a rookie, that was a really awesome feeling! I'm grateful my teammate Brett Anne practiced with me the Tuesday before and that the drills we did really supported me in taking a confident shot!

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

My dad and my niece’s passion for the sport made me want to take a chance as an adult and try something new! 

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

Currently, I just make sure to get to the games early and warm-up with teammates who are at the field already. That moment of checking in and getting our bodies warmed up together is an important part of the game.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

I think with the World Cup coming to the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 the future of soccer continues to flourish here in the US. I know many people are very excited for the games to come close to home. For myself, I hope I can continue to learn more over the time period and even attend a World Cup game with my teammates.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself with the BAASL community?

I'm really grateful for the opportunity my team captain Dani took by letting me show up as a free agent during the first game and signing me up to be a part of team Dynamo. It was an incredible experience playing my first season and I'm really looking forward to growing into a strong soccer player as the seasons continue. Also, if anyone wants to cross train with me, come visit me at IBX Fitness for group strength training. Your first 3 classes are only $1!

BAASL Featured Player: Kaleb Wagoner

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

I have been playing sports since I was old enough to hold and kick a ball. While my father would have preferred for me to play football and basketball, I fell in love with baseball and soccer. I have played soccer in club, high school, college, and as an adult in Indiana, California, Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea.

What do you like about the league?

The best thing about BAASL is that it is a great balance between social and competitive.

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

I enjoy reading (non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy), cooking, traveling, and playing board games.

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

My favorite soccer player is Laurent Koscielny. I love that he plays for Arsenal and plays defense the way it is supposed to be played. I also admire Didier Drogba. While he mainly played for archrival Chelsea, his contributions to society are amazing. 

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

I have so many fond memories playing soccer it is extremely difficult to choose a favorite. I think the best soccer memories I have are with friends I have made along the way.

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

I fell in love with soccer in kindergarten. I remember looking forward to recess everyday, so I could play soccer with my friends.

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

While I do not have any soccer rituals, I do refuse to cut my toenails the day before a game.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

I would like for soccer to become the most popular sport in the U.S.; however, I think it will be difficult as long as the U.S.'s athletes continue to gravitate toward basketball and football.   

Anything else about yourself you'd like to share with the BAASL community?

While I tend to be a bit competitive on the pitch, I hope to get to know more BAASL players.

BAASL Featured Player: Deidre Theis

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

I have been playing soccer for a little over 18 years. I tend to either play striker or left half back. I have played on rec teams as well as competitive teams and I currently play on a co-ed team and two all women teams.

What do you like about the league?

I really enjoy playing for this league because I have so much respect for the league administrators. The league is very organized and guidelines are set up fair for both, players and administrators. The talent in this league is also quite phenomenal and me being a competitive player I enjoy playing against raw talent.

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

I am very fitness driven so I enjoy going to the gym or outdoor activities (mostly swimming and hiking). I’m also a full-time student and spend lots of time with family. I have recently become a soccer referee as well which has been an awesome experience.

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

I follow the USA Women's National team and go to many of their games. I recently met Samantha Mewis at their game a few months back when they played at Avaya Stadium. I also flew down to LA just for the day to see the women's double header tournament. I think Samantha is a phenomenal player and a key component to the USA Women's National team. Also it is badass seeing our team out there killing it against some talented countries.

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

Honestly I have too many fond memories. I have been playing soccer for such a long time that I don’t consider it just a sport anymore, it’s a lifestyle. But when I think about soccer in general the best time for me are the days that I get to play for hours on end and until my legs are too sore to move.

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

I started playing soccer as a kid to blow off energy and my passion for the game took on a life of it’s own. I currently play on 3 different teams, and if I’m not playing in a game, I’m either at pickup or reffing. Soccer will always be a part of my life.

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

I’m not sure I would consider them rituals, but before the game I will do the FIFA warmup and dynamic stretching. I have suffered from some soccer knee injuries so I must make sure that I warm up my knee.  Other than that, I have certain soccer attire I will always wear during games and that is about all.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

I think the future of soccer in the US is constantly growing. More and more talent is being discovered and kids are starting at such a young age. I love the fan base that soccer has and how it brings people from all walks of life together. I see the talent continuing to grow, and I will enjoy going to even more games. 

Anything else about yourself you'd like to share with the BAASL community?

I think the BAASL is a great community, and I would love to continue to meet everyone through pickups and more BAASL social event to celebrate our love for the sport.

BAASL Featured Player: Anthony De Souza

Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.

I always was a basketball player growing up. Started playing soccer at 15. My first soccer team was High School JV.

What do you like about the league?

It's very organized and the fields are great. Also, every [11v11]game has three referees, most other recreational adult leagues settle for one ref. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?

Outside of soccer I enjoy traveling. Recently I did 3 new states and Europe. My girlfriend and I are total foodies, too. We’ll hit the road for an hour just to taste something new.

Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?

Neymar. The difference between a technical player and a skillful player is pressure. Skillful players perform the most technical skills under pressure, and there aren't many that do it like him.

What is your fondest memory of soccer?

My NPSL team just made the final 4 out of 94 semi-pro teams nationwide. We played at Yale in front of 2,300 fans. I have family from NY and they made the drive to Connecticut to watch. We didn't win but I'll never forget the experience.

Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?

My father is Brazilian, so soccer was always pushed on to me. At first, I hated it and just wanted to play basketball. It wasn't till I went to Brazil my 8th grade summer and took a camp out there. They had me training with 6 year old kids because I was so bad. I took it personally in the best and channeled it competitively--haven't stopped playing since.

Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game? 

As I age...Ibuprofen, lots of Ibuprofen.

What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?

The most conversational topic is Promotion/Relegation. I see arguments for both sides but as a fan I just hope soccer in the USA becomes competitive with Europe, and I think it will within ten years. Also, I think youth soccer in the USA is going to become more data driven. Scouting and training will become about numbers as sport science and technologies emerge. 

Anything else about yourself you'd like to share with the BAASL community?

Check out Shadelands Sports Mall coming soon to Walnut Creek. There's going to be a huge soccer specific training center. I think the BAASL community will benefit and enjoy. www.shadelandssportsmall.com

Meet Ronaldo!

OH HEY GUYS!

Woof!  Hey Everyone! It’s me, Ronaldo (from Brazil)!  You might also know me as the BAASL Mascot.  I am a beagle-King Charles Spaniel mix.  My colors are black and white with some brown, much like a soccer ball.  I’ve been hanging around soccer fields since I was two months old (I am now 28 in dog years). 

When I can get away with it, I love to run in circle eights on the field.  I also love a soccer player who has just finished playing a game (they taste amazing!). I can hold a soccer ball with one bite and run with it, too!  My favorite place is among friendly, happy soccer players under the sun.  I like to make my appearance as often as possible. My favorite league to visit is our Orinda league on Fridays and Sundays…So many wonderful smells in the beautiful surrounding hills!

I’m very protective and I like to point out -- with an extremely loud bark -- whenever I see anything unfamiliar.  I love dogs and people, especially kids.  If you ever see me hanging out, please say hello to me and feel free to scratch me behind my ears (it’s the best!).  Woof!

Ref Profile: Victor

Catching up with Victor

What is your history of refereeing?
I have been refereeing for 8 years. Attended a Grade 8 Entry Level referee class in 2009 offered by the Hayward Youth Soccer League. 

We heard you recently received a higher referee designation! Tell us more about that.
To become proficient in the refereeing career and to effectively perform your duties as a United States Soccer Referee, you are required to continuously act professionally both on and off the field of play, develop your skills using the wealth of resources provided which includes, but is not limited to, performing yearly Fitness tests, attending In-class and Field Training sessions, studying and understanding the FIFA Laws Of The Game and keeping up-to-date with any changes and modifications thereof; learning from mentors, performing self-assessments of your games, and requesting game evaluations through coaching and formal assessments. I am currently a State Grade 6 referee and working on upgrading to a State Grade 5 status which will offer me the opportunity to officiate in higher level USSF matches.

Were you a soccer player yourself? Any other sports?
Yes, I still play soccer but not as actively as I used to because I devote much of that time to fulfilling my officiating soccer games assignments. In my spare time, I also play basketball and volleyball.

When you aren't working or reffing, what do your days look like? 
I spend time with my family. This is very important to me.

Ref Profile: Harry

From player to parent to referee

WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY OF REFFING?

I got into being a referee over 12 years ago not by choice, but as a necessity. I started out as a parent coach and was co-opted to being a referee in order to avoid my team being fined $250.00 by the league (WCCYSL), because it was mandated that each team provide two certified referees to help serve the league or be subjected to the fine.

Having undergone the U.S. Soccer Federation referee certification program, I realized that I actually enjoyed the art of refereeing. As my boys grew older, in order to continue to coach at the competitive level, I was required to go through the entry-level coaching licensing certification program, and became licensed.  I lost interest in coaching, however, but continued as a referee and soccer dad.

In 2008, I was a District 4 Referee of the Year nominee, and upgraded to Grade 7 in 2010. I was awarded the Mustang Youth Soccer League (one of the largest youth soccer leagues in California) Referee of the Year 2014, and passed my in-field upgrade assessment to Grade 6 (State Referee) in 2016.

Over the years I have reffed a countless number of games, ranging from U6 to Men's Amateur/Semi-Professional games, as well as high school and College NCAA D2 games in between.

I have participated in numerous youth soccer tournaments both within Northern California as well as outside.

I was also among 10 referees selected to represent Cal North referee association at the ODP Regional Youth Soccer Tournament held in Phoenix, Arizona in January 2017.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESSED OUT PLAYERS, COACHES, PARENTS?

Over the years I have encountered players, coaches and parents at various levels of passionate expression and, as time goes by, you begin to develop and acquire different kinds of game management tools to add to your proverbial referee tool box.

This is possible through regular in-service trainings, number of games reffed, working with more experienced referees and picking up great game management skills from them, and through regular formal and informal in-field assessments.

Every game, set of players, coaches, and parents present different challenges, and experience will enable you to know which tool from within your tool box to pull out with respect to managing your game. The U.S. Soccer Federation has given an explicit guideline on how to deal with a coach behaving irresponsibly - the Ask, Tell and Dismiss guideline.

It is always important, and helps to constantly remind yourself as an official, that soccer is a game of passion. This knowledge helps me to manage a coach with an exaggerated passion to remain and continue to work with his team throughout the duration of the game, provided his actions do not bring the game into disrepute.

With respect to players, the aim and desire of every experienced official is to start each game with 22 players and end the game with 22 players. In order to achieve this I have to be very proactive, anticipate possible flash situations, adequately deal with flash points, identify problem players early and get into their ears and heads, while at the same time maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards players whose actions put other players' safety in peril, or bring the game into disrepute.

Ultimately, my responsibility is to ensure that all players and officials leave the field safe and without unnecessary injuries primarily, and hope that both players and officials enjoyed a good game.

Regarding unruly parents, it is very easy. If I identify a parent whose actions or utterances become intolerable, I will simply stop the game, walk over to the coach of team whose parent is out of line, and request that he deal with it and, if he refuses, the game is over. More often than not, they will comply.

ANY FAVORITE STORIES?

This brings to mind a situation I encountered last year during a very competitive boys U19 State Cup Final game in Tracy, CA. I happened to be the center ref and a parent could just not shut up. He was not cheering for his team, which would have been the most welcome parental engagement; rather, he had an opinion on every call or no call within the first 15 minutes of a 90-minute game. I knew that if I did not address it, I would lose total control of the game - because such actions spread like wildfire - so I stopped the game momentarily, walked across to the coach and briefly explained the situation to him, after which he yelled across the field,  'PARENTS SHUT UP!', and that did the magic.

WERE YOU A SOCCER PLAYER YOURSELF? ANY OTHER SPORTS?

All I did growing up was play soccer.  I believe I stuck with refereeing because of my great affinity for the game. It is the next best thing, second only to playing. The only other sport I played competitively was representing my college playing Field Hockey in National University Games. Other than these two, I play lawn tennis and volleyball recreationally if I ever have any free time.

WHEN YOU AREN'T WORKING OR REFFING WHAT ARE YOUR DAYS LIKE?

I totally love to spend time with my family and also love to watch my sons play.