Beach volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the world. During warm weather, games of beach volleyball take place in beaches all over the globe. Its also one of the Olympics most watched sporting events. One of our recent signings was Bassem Ben Hassouna. Bass is a professional beach volleyball player from Quebec City, Canada. We interviewed Bass as part of our Athlete Interview Series. Read on to find out more about Bass - an upcoming beach volleyball player.
What got you started with Beach Volleyball?
In the summer of 2011, after retiring from my indoor volleyball career, I competed in a local beach volleyball tournament in Quebec City with an experienced beach volleyball player. While we didn't win the tournament we made it to the finals. After competing in the tournament I had a feeling that I wasn't done with my athletic career so decided to take this sport seriously.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career thus far?
2ndplace in the American League as well as 2nd place in the ProBeach Quebec.
What are some factors that have led to your success?
Hard work and commitment, staying positive during the hard times, craving for knowledge and putting it in action. Disciplined work inside the court, the weight room, and finally a continuous mental toughness development program.
What does your game day routine consist of?
I wake up early, shower, have an omelet with as much eggs as I can handle. Prepare my food and refreshers for the day. Then I head to the beach about an hour earlier than the competition time. Once I'm there I take my time to warm up and get ready while listening to my game time music playlist.
If you weren't an athlete, what career path would you have chosen?
Entrepreneurship and Business Management hands down. I would create a business that focuses on one of my passions in life.
Favorite sport besides Beach Volleyball?
It’s a tough one - Tennis or Basketball
Favorite athlete?
Muhammad Ali
What are your other interests outside of sports?
Entrepreneurship, all genres of dancing, music, and cooking.
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
Here is a couple of them:
I eat 6 to 9 eggs for breakfast every day.
I have sand everywhere I go, shoes, bags, clothes, and the shower. My profession requires an extra cleaning effort on my part. i don’t want people thinking that I'm not a clean person. [laughs]
I speak more than 3 languages and I love picking up new accents.
What are your current goals?
I want to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and win a podium.
What advice would you give an aspiring Beach Volleyball athlete?
You don’t have to be the best to start. Just follow your passion and believe in yourself. Look up to an idol that has done what you’re dreaming of and follow the steps they took to be successful. Finally, find the reason why you want to follow your dream and nothing will ever stop you!
A big thank you goes to Bass for taking his time to answer our questions. Do you want Bass to become a brand ambassador for your brand? You can sponsor him via OpenSponsorship. You can sign up for free and once you do you'll join the over 1500 athletes and over 650 brands that use our platform.. Want to be featured on our blog, sign up for free and let us know!