Steven Passons is the founder and owner of Be Someone Sports, a Texas-based youth sports organization built on a mission to inspire and empower young athletes. What began as a single-season community league has grown into a movement serving more than 3,000 athletes each year across basketball, football, volleyball, and cheer.
Recognized as the Winner of the Best Small Business category at the BASA Awards®, Steven continues to redefine youth sports as a platform for confidence, character, and community.
The BASA Awards caught up with Steven to discuss his win and the values driving his work.
What excites you most about the work that you do?
I love watching the confidence come alive in young athletes; that moment when a kid realizes they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. Every practice, game, and connection is an opportunity to shape character and spark belief.
I also love creating environments where competition builds community rather than division, and where effort is celebrated just as much as talent. Knowing that Be Someone Sports helps young people find purpose and opportunity through sports is what motivates me every single day.
Congratulations on your recent BASA Awards® win. What does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Winning the BASA Award is an incredible honor and a powerful affirmation of what we’ve built together at Be Someone Sports. For our team, it represents far more than recognition: it’s proof that purpose-driven work, community impact, and belief in young people can create something truly special.
This award celebrates every coach, parent, and athlete who has poured their heart into our mission. It motivates us to keep growing, innovating, and inspiring youth across every sport we touch. Most importantly, it reminds us that when you lead with passion and integrity, meaningful impact follows.
Do you have a mantra or motto that you live by?
My motto is simple: Be someone. It’s more than our name, it’s a mindset.
Every athlete who walks through our doors hears the same message: don’t just play the game, change it. Be someone who inspires, uplifts, and makes a difference.
Tell us about your first job.
My first real job was serving in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member. That experience shaped me profoundly. The discipline, accountability, and leadership I gained became the foundation for everything I do today. It also taught me invaluable lessons like staying calm under pressure, leading with integrity, and always putting mission and team first - lessons that I have carried through into every part of my life and business.
What are you really into outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m really into shoes, especially sneakers. I’ve always loved the creativity, design, and stories behind each pair. Collecting shoes is more than a hobby for me; it’s an expression of personality and culture. Every sneaker represents a moment in time, a memory, an accomplishment, or a vibe that connects to who I am. It’s also something I share with the athletes I mentor; we bond over style, confidence, and self-expression. Just like sports, shoes tell a story, and for me, it’s all about walking with purpose and standing out while staying true to yourself.
"Aim to create environments where excellence is expected, but joy is never lost."
Steven Passons is the Owner of Be Someone Sports, Friendswood, Texas, USA. You can find out more about his business here.
