Gio Mancino is committed to see where his soccer dreams will take him

It’s OK to dream. Dreaming is like exercise for a healthy soul.

Pursuing those dreams is optional. But the benefits from living dreams are out of this world.

Gio Mancino’s dreams revolve around playing soccer at the highest level – his highest, no one else’s.

“For me, it’s always been my dream to play soccer professionally,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for it. I think I’ve always been Mr. Underrated. With it comes pressure. But they say pressure builds diamonds.”

A 2024 graduate of Cedar Crest, Mancino is both living and pursuing his dream to play professional soccer with the Capital City Islanders, a recent, semi-professional soccer start-up that plays its home games at Harrisburg’s City Island.

Mancino isn’t getting paid by the Islanders to play. In fact, he has secured a sponsorship from Palmyra-area business Lazzaro’s Italian Bistro to help offset expenses.

But Mancino is hoping the exposure and experience with Capital City will lead to future professional soccer opportunities.

“We don’t get paid to play at the moment,” said Mancino. “For me, the sky’s the limit. I want to play professionally. It’s always been my dream. I’ve just have to be looked at and I’ve got to show results on the field.

“I think when you have the same dream, and have it over and over, you should chase it. But don’t do it by yourself; do it with God. Never give up, just keep working hard. The bill of trying hard is better than the bill of regret.”

Following try-outs in February, Mancino made the Islanders’ roster this spring. Despite battling injuries, Mancino, who plays right wing, has found ways to contribute to the Islanders’ success and reports that his first professional soccer experience has been mostly positive.

“I think it’s more difficult than college soccer,” said Mancino, 19. “We have players from all over. It’s very competitive. It’s hard for me going up against grown men. For me, it’s pretty hard. I think when I’m injury free, it’ll be easier for me to compete.

“I think I’m doing well, just with the mental stuff. I’m trying to earn a spot back. The injury is making me work harder and trust God more. I’m grateful I’m able to play again and compete for a spot.”

The Capital City Islanders’ inaugural United Premiere Soccer League Division One season began in early April and ends early next month. Through 10 games, the Islanders were 7-2-1 and in first place in the developmental league that is designed to bridge the gap between college and professional soccer.

“I’m a left-footed player and I play right wing,” said Mancino. “I’m a team-player first. I’m simple. I’m very fast and I like to use my speed. I think I’m one of the best passers. I love the assists. For me, the assist is more impactful than the goal.

“I love soccer. I like to glorify God through the sport. God gives me the opportunity to wake up every morning and play the sport. This is what I was meant to do and if I work hard, God will give me what I need to succeed.”

Mancino enjoyed a solid, but not necessarily spectacular, scholastic career at Cedar Crest. During the fall of 2024, Mancino competed for Washington and Jefferson College’s Division Three soccer team.

“I like meeting new people and playing the game I grew up watching,” he said. “My favorite part is celebrating a goal and celebrating a win. What I love about the game is that there’s always something to improve on. I get to see how far I can go with it and see how much I improve every day.”

Exactly how far Mancino can take this professional soccer thing remains to be seen. At this point, he’s content to control the things he can control and turn the other things over to God.

“When I was five, I just played for the love of it,” he said. “I played the game for fun. I really didn’t work hard. I thought if I practiced, it was enough. When I was 14, I started hitting the gym. I’m built very well for the sport. You’ve got to go the gym and eat healthy. I’m just a hard-working guy. For me, the grind never stops.”