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