Oklahoma State University Athletics
More Than a Match: Alessio Basile, Journey of Growth, Grit and Reflection
February 10, 2026 | Cowboy Tennis
For Alessio Basile, growth at Oklahoma State University has been about more than refining his game. It has been preparation for what comes next.
The senior has spent four years in Stillwater developing not only his game, but the physical and mental foundation he believes will carry him into professional tennis next season.
"Obviously my game has improved," Basile said. "But you come to college tennis to improve the physical aspect of yourself and also the mental part. Sometimes that's more important than the tennis part."
Basile arrived in Stillwater with a strong technical base, but he said college tennis required him to grow in ways he did not initially expect. Physical conditioning and mental resilience became priorities as the level of competition increased.
"Everyone at some point can play good tennis, but it's the physical part and the mental part that makes you stand out," Basile said.
That development has shaped Basile's approach as he looks ahead to professional tennis. He said learning how to handle pressure, trust preparation and stay composed has been essential for both college competition and for the next stage of his career.
"I try not to overthink it on the day itself," Basile said. "Being ready for the moment, you already do that with the practice you put in. You have to trust yourself and believe that you're prepared."
Basile credits much of that growth to his time as a Cowboy and to the continuity provided by head coach Dustin Taylor, who guided him throughout his college career.
"He's had a big impact on how I evolved my tennis," Basile said. "He studies the game very well and always has good advice."
Beyond individual development, Basile said representing OSU changed his understanding of competition. Coming from Europe, the meaning of college athletics took time to fully sink in.
"It took me a while to really figure out what it means to play for something bigger than yourself," Basile said. "There's a little more pressure, a little more anxiety, but at the end of the day, it's so nice to play for something, especially a school like Oklahoma State."
That perspective reshaped how Basile measures success. Competing alongside teammates and for the university added accountability and purpose, lessons he believes will carry into his professional career.
"Here, tennis feels like a team sport," Basile said. "You want to do well for your teammates, your coaches and the school."
The environment at OSU has also provided Basile with experience in high-stake matches, particularly in Big 12 play and NCAA Tournament competition. He said those moments sharpened his mental toughness and prepared him for professional-level pressure.
This past fall, Basile took a significant step toward his future by competing in his first ATP tournament after receiving a last-minute wildcard. The experience offered a glimpse into the level he hopes to reach full time.
"Playing at that level motivates you," Basile said. "It makes you want to keep pushing and improving."
As his college career winds down, Basile remains focused on finishing strong for OSU while preparing for the next chapter. He said the lessons learned in Stillwater, discipline, resilience and belief, will define his transition beyond college tennis.
"Once that uniform comes on, it's not only yourself," Basile said. "You represent something bigger. It's a very special feeling."
The senior has spent four years in Stillwater developing not only his game, but the physical and mental foundation he believes will carry him into professional tennis next season.
"Obviously my game has improved," Basile said. "But you come to college tennis to improve the physical aspect of yourself and also the mental part. Sometimes that's more important than the tennis part."
Basile arrived in Stillwater with a strong technical base, but he said college tennis required him to grow in ways he did not initially expect. Physical conditioning and mental resilience became priorities as the level of competition increased.
"Everyone at some point can play good tennis, but it's the physical part and the mental part that makes you stand out," Basile said.
That development has shaped Basile's approach as he looks ahead to professional tennis. He said learning how to handle pressure, trust preparation and stay composed has been essential for both college competition and for the next stage of his career.
"I try not to overthink it on the day itself," Basile said. "Being ready for the moment, you already do that with the practice you put in. You have to trust yourself and believe that you're prepared."
Basile credits much of that growth to his time as a Cowboy and to the continuity provided by head coach Dustin Taylor, who guided him throughout his college career.
"He's had a big impact on how I evolved my tennis," Basile said. "He studies the game very well and always has good advice."
Beyond individual development, Basile said representing OSU changed his understanding of competition. Coming from Europe, the meaning of college athletics took time to fully sink in.
"It took me a while to really figure out what it means to play for something bigger than yourself," Basile said. "There's a little more pressure, a little more anxiety, but at the end of the day, it's so nice to play for something, especially a school like Oklahoma State."
That perspective reshaped how Basile measures success. Competing alongside teammates and for the university added accountability and purpose, lessons he believes will carry into his professional career.
"Here, tennis feels like a team sport," Basile said. "You want to do well for your teammates, your coaches and the school."
The environment at OSU has also provided Basile with experience in high-stake matches, particularly in Big 12 play and NCAA Tournament competition. He said those moments sharpened his mental toughness and prepared him for professional-level pressure.
This past fall, Basile took a significant step toward his future by competing in his first ATP tournament after receiving a last-minute wildcard. The experience offered a glimpse into the level he hopes to reach full time.
"Playing at that level motivates you," Basile said. "It makes you want to keep pushing and improving."
As his college career winds down, Basile remains focused on finishing strong for OSU while preparing for the next chapter. He said the lessons learned in Stillwater, discipline, resilience and belief, will define his transition beyond college tennis.
"Once that uniform comes on, it's not only yourself," Basile said. "You represent something bigger. It's a very special feeling."
Players Mentioned
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