Robert Basel, a junior at Iona University, is on his way to achieving his aspiration of becoming a sports broadcaster. Basel's journey began with a strong interest in soccer from his childhood in Mineola, New York. His involvement in the sport extended from participating in high school teams to weekend refereeing and engaging with the FIFA video games series.

Basel's broadcasting aspirations were nurtured early at the Bruce Beck Sports Broadcasting Camp, where he encountered Professor Giuseppe D’Aloisio. Their paths crossed again during Iona University’s Accepted Students Day, leading Basel to choose Iona for its Media and Strategic Communication program.

Reflecting on his experiences, Basel stated, “Looking back, I’m so glad I chose Iona. The connections I’ve made here have been invaluable.” His academic journey at Iona facilitated internships, most notably with ESPN, where he initially worked as a production assistant. During his time at ESPN, Basel's responsibilities evolved to include operating the production truck and training new interns.

Basel attributed his growth to mentors at ESPN, saying, “I owe so much of my growth to Garrett Murray and Brian Beyrer, who took the time to teach me and guide me every step of the way.” This summer, he will act as the lead broadcaster for Morris Elite Soccer Club in the USL W League and USL League Two.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the future, Basel mentioned, “I love what I’m doing right now, and every opportunity brings me closer to my dream.”

Iona University, since its establishment in 1940, has grown to offer a range of educational programs with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new site in County Mayo, Ireland. The university provides diverse academic offerings and has received recognitions for its excellence in education, including accolades from The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report.