Coaches Spotlight: From Grit to Greatness: A Spotlight on Sabercats Junior Varsity Football Coach Will Basawa -

Coaching youth football isn’t just a weekend hobby for coach, WILL BASAWA—it’s a calling. For one passionate Sault Sabercats coach, it’s a lifelong fire that keeps burning brighter with each new season.

“Man, lemme tell ya somethin’—you don’t just wake up and decide to coach youth football,” he says. “That fire’s gotta already be burnin’ inside you, alright?”

It all began with a love for the game. Watching young players evolve—from barely knowing where to line up to calling out defensive schemes with confidence—is the kind of transformation that gives him chills. And it’s that growth, that raw development, that fuels his passion year after year.

The Sabercats Difference
While he’s coached at different levels, there’s something unique about leading the Sault Sabercats. It’s not just the football—it’s the sacrifice.

“You’re talkin’ about kids who are giving up their summer to be here. They’ve got part-time jobs, families, friends trying to spend time with ’em, and they’re still showin’ up in full pads ready to hit. That’s commitment.”

And that kind of dedication is exactly what makes coaching the Sabercats so rewarding. It’s not just about the scoreboard. It’s about teaching these young men what it means to truly chase a goal—full speed, with everything they’ve got.

Building Culture That Lasts
Creating a strong team culture in a group of young athletes juggling work, family, and long travel hours is no small feat. But for this coach, it starts with simple, powerful principles.

“You show up, you commit, you respect the jersey,” he says. “Doesn’t matter if you’re the star quarterback or the backup long snapper—you earn your spot with effort.”

That mindset shows up in everything the team does—from group chats and bonding nights to film sessions that double as life lessons. It’s not just about running plays. It’s about building trust and respect, on and off the field.

Football as a Classroom
Every practice and every game is an opportunity to teach more than just technique. For this coach, football is a vehicle for building character.

“Football’s a classroom, man. Only difference is, instead of desks, we got cleats and helmets.”

He teaches accountability, work ethic, and integrity—lessons that reach far beyond the field. Whether it’s showing up on time, helping family, or preparing for a job interview, his message is clear: carry the same pride and discipline into every aspect of your life.

For the Coaches Just Starting Out
To those stepping into coaching youth football for the first time, his advice is rooted in truth, not tactics.

“You wanna make an impact? It ain’t about your playbook. It ain’t about winnin’ titles. It’s about relationships.”

It’s about earning trust, staying consistent, and being authentic. “These kids can smell a phony from a mile away,” he says. “You show up, you care, you lead by example—they’ll follow you through a brick wall.”

Coaching isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the committed, the passionate, and those willing to show up every day with heart and purpose. For this Sabercats coach, it’s not just about building better players—it’s about building better people. And that’s a legacy worth chasing.

Saultsports.com will highlight one local coach each week with the “Coaches Spotlight” across various sports in the Algoma region. The segment will provide an inside look at why these coaches commit themselves to mentoring young athletes, the values they bring to their teams, and the impact they aim to make both on and off the playing surface.

Nominate a coach below