Alumnus Justin Dalessio '00 Brings his Passion for Coaching to

Thu, 01/15/2026 - 12:00

By: Damon Markiewicz

When Springfield College alumnus Justin Dalessio ’00 returned to Blake Arena for the 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic on Thursday, January 15, it was an exciting moment because as he describes it, “There is always a special atmosphere inside Blake Arena, especially during the Hoophall Classic. It’s one of my favorite venues, and it’s the perfect setting for this great event.”

Dalessio continues to serve as the head basketball coach for the Pope Francis Prep boys basketball team located in Springfield, Mass. At this year’s Hoophall event, Pope Francis took on city rival Springfield Central High School in day one’s premiere match-up.

“There is always a lot of excitement in Blake Arena during Hoophall, and this year was no different,” explained Dalessio.

In addition to coaching, Dalessio has helped teach Physical Education within the Springfield Public School system for 25 years. It was a career path that started shortly after graduating from Springfield College, and he carries a passion for coaching and teaching that continues to the present.

“It's kind of in my blood, I really love teaching and coaching,” explained Dalessio. “Once I graduated from Springfield College, there was that moment where I knew it was time to focus on a career path. Coming from Springfield College, there were always so many great athletes, so many great coaches, it kind of gave me a chance to find my path into coaching as well.”

Basketball has been Dalessio’s passion since he was a young boy, and after a successful high school and collegiate career, Dalessio continued his hoops walk of life with the Greater Hartford Pro-Am League’s Springfield Slamm. Dalessio played his high school basketball at Cathedral High School, which later became Pope Francis Prep. Entering college, he stayed in the city and eventually transferred to Springfield College, so supporting the sport of basketball at the birthplace has been a natural fit.

“In addition to playing semi-pro with the Slamm, I was helping out as an assistant coach at Cathedral High School at the freshman level, and that's when I started to really understand I liked working with the kids and enjoyed coaching,” added Dalessio. “I love basketball, and I thought to myself, maybe we have something here with coaching. And sure enough, I'm still doing it.”

The opportunity to compete at the Hoophall Classic is a moment that Dalessio doesn’t take for granted. He understands that being able to compete inside Blake Arena during an event that is nationally recognized is an honor and a privilege. Dalessio knows all eyes are on Blake Arena during the five-day event because playing inside are the very best high school teams from throughout the United States.

“I believe the Hoophall Classic is the best tournament in the country,” added Dalessio. “I know our team is really excited to play in it, and we're really lucky to be part of it. It's an invitational tournament, so you have to be doing something right to get asked to compete in it, so it’s a huge honor. Springfield College is the birthplace, so it’s only fitting to have a basketball showcase of this size at Springfield College, and in the city of Springfield.”

Dalessio’s ties to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame run deeper than just having the opportunity to lead his student-athletes at the Hoophall Classic. He also helps run summer clinics for local youth at the Hall of Fame. In true Springfield College fashion, Dalessio takes pride in being part of giving back to the local youth in our community.

“I always enjoy being a part of the programs that give the next generation of youth an opportunity to learn the sport of basketball,” explained Dalessio. “I'll bring along the members from the Pope Francis team, and we will help the young kids out. It's a lot of fun, and it’s about giving back.”

Living the Springfield College Humanics philosophy is always on display when it comes to Dalessio working with youth. During his time as a Recreation Management major at the College, helping kids learn and grow was something that Dalessio always enjoyed, and it has continued to be a big part of his life.

“It all started for me serving as a camp counselor in the summer, and when I did my internship at the Boys and Girls Club, I just liked being around the kids and helping them out,” explained Dalessio. “As my career started to progress, things started to lead into teaching physical education. Getting into teaching also allowed me to stick with coaching. It gave me a chance to teach during the day and then coach at night.”

And for just about two decades now, Dalessio continues to lead teams on and off the court, and for one night in January, Dalessio’s coaching efforts were on display during one of the greatest high school basketball showcases in the world.

“The entire Hoophall weekend is a celebration of this great sport we know and love,” expressed Dalessio. “Probably since the age of 7, all I have known during the winter is being around the basketball court. It started as a player and continued on as an official, and obviously for the past 17 years coaching. Springfield College and the Springfield Public Schools have been very good to me. I love teaching, I love coaching, and I love being a part of the great sport of basketball. If you want to get into coaching, being around Springfield College is the place to be. I am always thankful to be a part of the Hoophall, it’s a great experience.”