Devon Prep forward Nick Bello is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The senior forward recently became Devon Prep’s all-time leading career scorer, and has 53 career goals (as of Sept. 24). Last fall, he scored 27 goals in 18 games, and was a first team All-Bicentennial League and first team All-Main Line soccer selection. Off the pitch, he is student Vice-President at Devon Prep and is the president of several clubs at the school, including Mission and Ministry, which offers volunteer opportunities to Devon Prep students.

 

Q: What does it mean to you to be Devon Prep’s all-time career goal scorer?

 

A: It is a great honor – when I was coming into my freshman year, that goal seemed unachievable, but as I got into my junior and senior seasons I knew that I would have a chance breaking the record. It was one of my goals going into this season and I feel a great sense of accomplishment being able to achieve this goal.

 

Q: You’ve always been a forward, starting at the age of 5. What attracted you to the forward position?

 

A: Having the ball at my feet and being able to create opportunities for myself and the others is what attracted me to the position then and is the reason I still love the position.

 

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

 

A: I would say my footwork is the strongest part of my game. As I was growing up, that is probably the aspect of my game I worked on the most. I am currently working on my weak foot so I can create more opportunities for me and my teammates.

 

Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your scoring success this season?

 

A: My teammates have been the biggest key to my success this season. They are the ones that make the passes to help set me up and they make runs to help open up space for me and the other goal scorers on the team.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

 

A: On the day of a game, I do my best to eat properly and avoid fried foods; jokingly, my team calls me the team nutritionist. I also do my best to hydrate properly for the game.

 

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player, and why?

 

A: Since I started playing soccer, I have always been amazed by Lionel Messi’s technical ability. Growing up I wanted to do the same thing. Just by watching Messi, he inspired me to work on my footwork and become the best player I could be.

 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 2 – why did you pick this number?

 

A: I wear No. 2 in every sport that I play. Originally, I picked this number in baseball because I loved Derek Jeter. From then on, I have worn No. 2 on every team that I have played for. It has turned into my favorite number.

 

Q: What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: I would like to major in Engineering. While at Devon, I have found a passion for Calculus and Physics, and I believe Engineering would be a great way to pursue the two subjects.

 

Fun facts – Nick Bello

Favorite book: Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson.

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite athlete: Lionel Messi.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: Walt Disney World.

Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.

Family members: parents Deneen and Carl, brother Matt.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)

 

To view a gallery of the Main Line Boys Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present, click here