Jasko Begovic was born in Teslic, Bosnia and spent his formative years from 1980-1992 there. Because of war and political unrest, he spent his teen years from 1992-1997 in Germany as a refugee. Still a refugee at 17, he moved to the United States in 1997. He attended Berkeley High School and fulfilled undergraduate studies at Berkeley City College and Contra Costa College. Today, Jasko lives happily in North Berkeley. 

​

Jasko's passion for soccer sparked while he was a young boy watching older neighborhood kids joyously playing on pavement and crowded street corners. There kids developed character and personality naturally via the universal culture and order of street soccer. They were freely playing the most beautiful game in the world. Even as a 10-year old, Jasko was demanding of his teammates who did not yet view the game as a culmination of individual skill and group tactics. He had an affinity to study the game and orchestrate within it.

​

As a 12-year old living in Germany, Jasko was invited to play for a formal club called called S.V. Ravensburg and then T.S.V. Burgau where he was introduced to structure, discipline and conceptual play. Jasko and his mother moved frequently while in Germany and he was constantly adapting to new communities. He played for various clubs including S.S.V. Ulm where he formally played basketball as well as soccer. This required a 1.5 hour train ride from Burgau to Ulm and back, three times per week ... and he did not always have the proper fare. Jasko had to adopt many aspects of German mentality and its unique cultural approach to soccer. Strict German work ethic and persistence deeply influenced him as a person and athlete, and still does today as a teacher-coach. Those values resonated with his innate sense of demand for excellence from himself and others. This could be perceived as an early affinity for coaching because even as a youngster, he interacted with coaches and studied the game. Possessed of strong personality, he could become frustrated at times but also because of his open-mindedness, he was not too shy to ask coaches for explanation or elaboration - and he could accept learning from a good coach.

​

Jasko began his professional coaching career in 2007 and formalized his approach to player and team development though dedication and open exploration of various world standard methodologies. Besides working diligently on his vision for California Magic, he continues as Trainer/Co-Head Coach for Richmond High School. Jasko is demanding and specific as a coach but also wants his players to enjoy themselves while making the game their own experience. His professional attitude balanced with developing good people makes him an invaluable coach.