Name: John Castellano
Graduation Years: 2015, 2016M
Major: Criminal Justice
What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
I've been working as a police officer in the town of Eastchester, NY for the past three years. It's flown by and has been a challenging, but exciting experience.
What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
It has to be beating Rutgers at SHI Stadium for our first win in program history. Not many guys can say they were a part of the first win in a program's history. The fact that it was a road game against a top college program such as Rutgers makes it that much sweeter.
If and when you have the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I plan to visit Italy specifically Sicily or Rome. I am Italian and have always wanted to experience the food and culture, as well as visit the Colosseum in Rome. Fun Fact: I was awarded the nickname "Johnny Meatballs" during my time with the Hawks because of my Italian/New York accent and my ability to cook a 10/10 meatball.
If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
Coding. Technology has become such a huge part of every occupation now and it's a great skill to have. With the rise of AI as well it is a skill that will still need human input for years to come.
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
A wise man once said "I wish you knew you were in the good old days when you were living it". Cherish your time there, but also stay in shape in the offseason. Also take the time to perfect a skill you are already proficient in, spend extra time working on a skill you are not very good in or that is a necessity for the team.
How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
While at Monmouth I achieved a bachelor's and master's degree in Criminal Justice. Being up to date and knowledgeable of case law, constitutional law, and civil rights allowed me to feel more comfortable learning the state law while in the Police Academy. Having that initial base made me more comfortable and confident enforcing the law once I was on the streets.
Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
I'm going to have to cheat the question a bit and give it to two former teammates, Ryan Horsch and Ryan Schwartz. Both of these guys helped get me through school and we have been in touch since graduating. Horsch is coaching lacrosse out in California and Shwartz is one of NYPD's finest.
