SHE'S GOT GAME
BLOOMSBURG — Football games are won and lost in the trenches, but for Bloomsburg's Athena Mannino, that's where friendships, memories and milestones are created.
The freshman left guard fits right in with the offensive line tasked with keeping the quarterback upright or creating running lanes. Only one thing is blatantly different: Mannino is a girl.
Her gender hasn't slowed her down or taken playing opportunities away. In fact, after being talked out of trying to play wide receiver for a spot along the line, Mannino gained the skills quickly enough to gain a starting spot after two games at the junior high level. She also feels a bond with her teammates that she wouldn't trade in for anything.
"I feel like one of the guys that's not a guy," Mannino said with a laugh. "Watching them and learning from them is fun, but them congratulating me on certain things is awesome. It's fun being part of a group of guys that see me as one of their teammates and see how good I am."
Mannino is not one to seek the glory, she'd rather have her play speak for her. Junior high coach Sean Thomas thought those character traits and her build would go flawlessly along the line — and he was proven right.
"She is always willing to learn and doesn't back down from anything, hitting everything head-on," Thomas said. "She has traits that other kids these days don't have. ... She's always in the weight room and always asking questions, looking for help. She's a real bruiser."
Despite the leaps and bounds she's made since giving football a try two years ago, Mannino still has a way to go in achieving her goal of playing for the Panthers varsity squad.
"I have some concerns that I won't be good enough or strong enough to be on the (varsity) line," Mannino said. "Then again, I have three years to do it and am excited to have that time to keep playing — it's really fun and I think I'm really good."
The freshman, who looks up to her older brother, Alessandro, a defensive lineman at Juniata College, could see strength in numbers at Bloomsburg. Battling a low roster turnout, the team could use Mannino in its rotation as early as this fall — something she couldn't have imagined when she stepped onto the field, not knowing even the first thing about being a guard.
"All through last summer, she was pretty timid, but when it was time to put the pads on, she just woke up. She was a beast, constantly punishing and technically sound," Thomas said. " ... I could see her getting playing time on defense next fall if she sticks to the plan."
Thomas will continue to be a soundboard for Mannino as long as she needs it, providing her support and confidence whenever needed. He's excited to see what's in store, hoping to see the flute and piccolo player perform on the field in pre-game ceremonies with the band and continue her usual dominance in the trenches, being an example for her peers who may be on the fence about playing a physical sport typically played by males.
"She was the only freshman we held back this year after we spoke with (varsity coach Mike) Kogut. It gave her playing time, built her confidence and I think it really helped her," Thomas said. "I really think she can help the varsity team next year. I've always praised her grit and I think that will carry her far — not only in football, but in life."
Mannino is also excited to be an example for other girls every Friday night.
"I'd tell them to ignore all the people who say you can't do something just do what you love," Mannino said. "You'll regret it if you don't."
Link to story: https://www.pressenterpriseonl...
