“In wrestling, family support is my greatest strength,” are words that resonate deeply with 19-year-old Bo Bassett. His remarkable rise in the sport can be attributed to the steadfast encouragement of his parents, Bill and Karissa, and the enduring legacy of his grandfather, “Wild” Bill Bassett. Surrounded by wrestling from a young age, a family, where dedication to the sport runs deep has nurtured Bo’s passion and talent. 

As Bo prepares to represent the United States at the U20 level in Spain and later at the freestyle championships in Peru, his family’s influence remains a cornerstone of his success. So let’s explore the story of this tight-knit family and their integral role in fostering Bo’s success in the sport.

All about Bo Bassett’s dad and mom

Bo Bassett was born to Karissa and Bill Bassett and grew up in Windber, Pennsylvania. Bill Bassett served as the 19-year-old’s coach in high school. He was also Bo’s coach during the event where he won the Cadet World Freestyle Championship and had a major influence on his career. Notably, Bo is the head coach at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown. The relationship between the father and son is powerful and unique. Bill even makes the time to visit mostly all of Bo’s competitions, alongside his wife. 

Meanwhile, Karissa Bassett is a registered nurse at the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. She works closely with the breast cancer unit and supports Bo, too, similar to his father. In Hungary, 2021, when Bo recorded a technical fall and two pins on Tuesday, she was present in the stands. Bo Bassett pinned Russia’s Alikhan Ashinov on Wednesday to capture the 45-kilogram championship and won. Karissa explained how it was hard to see her son give up points since she’s used to seeing him completely dominate.

However, Bo assured his mother, saying, “He said, ‘I love it, Mom. I love the battle.’ I said, ‘I’m glad you love it because it’s really hard on me! Thank God it’s over.’” Bill and Karissa also have two younger sons Keegan and Melvin Miller, who look up to Bo and have emulated his path. 

The 17-year-old’s mother is proud of the bond her sons share

Karissa Bassett has always adored the bond the three brothers shared. As per reports, during the Cadet World Freestyle Championships, when Bo won, Keegan started crying during the semi-finals. Keegan felt unreal to witness Bo Bassett win after going through the same arduous journey in his career. It has inspired Keegan to believe he can do it, too. Her younger son’s reaction deeply touched Karissa and shed a few tears of her own.

Karissa later said, “I think that’s more important than those accomplishments, to know that we raised two boys that love each other so much. Family – that’s what matters.” 

This year, for the first time in history, three brothers from Bishop McCort- Bo Bassett, Keegan Bassett, and Melvin Miller have become the first trio from one family to earn spots on Team USA. This came after they won the U.S. Miller said excitedly, “It might not ever get done again.”

Even Bo Bassett exclaimed, “It’s unbelievable.” He further expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s something that I’m really grateful for and we’re just going to keep trying to set records.” Hopefully, the three boys will be able to do well on that promise and bring back medals for their family for a long time side-by-side.