Student-Athlete Spotlight: Derek Mancuso

11/30/2020 3:20:00 PM

Throughout the fall semester, daemenwildcats.com will feature a Student-Athlete Spotlight series to introduce you to current student-athletes from the college's 17 varsity athletic teams. Today's featured student-athlete is Derek Mancuso of the men's soccer team.

DEREK MANCUSO QUICK BIO

Derek Mancuso is a senior on the Daemen men's soccer team. He's appeared in 32 games and made 18 starts over the last two seasons. He registered his first career points in 2019, scoring a goal vs. Le Moyne on Sept. 17 and assisting on a score at Roberts Wesleyan on Oct. 26. Mancuso was one of only three players on the team appear in all 17 contests in 2019.

The Friendship, N.Y. native is a graduate of Fillmore Central High School where he was a five-year varsity player. Mancuso led the Eagles to three county championships and totaled 42 goals and 43 assists in his prep career. He also competed on the club soccer scene with Empire United.

QUESTION & ANSWER

My favorite thing about soccer is that it's accessible to anybody, anytime and anywhere. It brings people of different nationalities, races and ethnicities together.

Derek Mancuso on his favorite thing about soccer

A: My first game was when I was five years old. I had seen soccer on TV and when the player scored, he did so while sliding, so I thought that was how you had to score. I ended up scoring multiple goals in that game, sliding for each one.
A: My high school soccer coaches, Coach Mullen and Coach Wit. They constantly pushed me to my limits and forced me to be the best person and player that I could be. They also taught me how to take criticism and to keep fighting for what I want. I am grateful to them for shaping me into the person I am today.

A: After I tore my ACL during my senior year of high school, the coaching staff at Daemen reassured me they were still interested in me and believed in my ability to come back even stronger.
A: It's hard to choose just one. I would say I am closest with Jarrett Lecceadone and Anthony Cupello. We enjoy many things together, from hanging out to eating together, as well as playing video games together.

A: Christiano Ronaldo, because he is one of the best players in the world and his work ethic and dedication to soccer inspired me.
A: The best advice I ever received, although indirectly, was from Jimmy V - former college basketball coach Jim Valvano - in his acceptance speech at the ESPY's. He said that you must have an enthusiasm for life and to never, ever give up. I heard that speech when I was young and those words have stuck with me ever since.

A: For soccer, I'm a Read Madrid fan. In terms of American sports, I support the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
A: My favorite course I have taken so far is History 331 with Dr. Andrew Wise. I really enjoyed his class because it allowed me to develop ideas and find what I am passionate about. Through his class, I realized that I was passionate about racial equality, and as a result I am writing my senior thesis about racial inequality. My professor, Dr. Wise, was extremely helpful in guiding me through this process and I am grateful to him for allowing me to explore my passions.

A: I have one pet, a dog named Tippy.
A: My most memorable vacation was a trip to France in 2019. I was able to attend the Women's World Cup final while I was there. In the future, I would love to take a trip to Italy.
A: In 10 years, I hope to be in a successful career as a teacher and enjoying my life as an adult.

MORE STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Daemen College features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

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