Lower Merion’s Philip Monos is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

Monos, a senior midfielder, leads the Aces (13-0-1 as of Oct. 8) in points scored with a dozen assists and seven goals. He scored the game-winner in a 1-0 win against West Chester Rustin and dished out a trio of assists in a 5-2 victory against Strath Haven. One of only five seniors on the Aces, he is valued for his work ethic and example. “He is always asking how he can improve,” said Lower Merion boys soccer head coach Nico Severini. “Not only is he elusive, quick and agile, he is an excellent team player and a hard worker.” 

Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season? What do you consider the strongest part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?

A: Over the summer I worked with Joe O’Hara, our weightlifting coach at his private club (O’Hara fitness). We discussed what we could work on in order to improve my game physically. Coach O’Hara helped me with my explosiveness and overall strength. I think the strongest part of my game is finding space in between the defense and going at players 1 v 1, and finding a through ball to one of my teammates. Currently I’m working on my free kicks and corners.

Q: Tell us about your game-winning goal against West Chester Rustin in the 42nd minute earlier this season. Can you describe how the play developed, and your role in it?

A: The play started off a throw in that fell to my teammate Evan Goodman, Evan found me at the top of the box and I felt pressure on my back and another Rustin player coming from the left. I managed to turn the player behind me and split right between the two players, I quickly took a touch to set up my shot and I placed it in the left corner. 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always been a midfielder? Who have been your most important soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: I’ve been playing soccer with my brothers by the time I could walk. I’ve always played attacking midfield or forward. I started playing for Lower Merion Soccer Club by age 7. It was at Lower Merion where I met the most influential coach I’ve ever had, Jamie Scott. I ended up following Coach Scott to Penn Fusion, and I currently play for him. He has taught me many things that have improved my game tactically, technically and psychologically. Coach Scott has aided my progress and he’s always kept very high standards for me, It’s fair to say without Coach Scott I would not be the player and person I am today. Another influential Coach has been my current coach at my High School, Nico Severini. Coach Severini has taught how to be an efficient player, by properly channeling my energy into little moments that define a game. Furthermore Coach Severini has helped me develop another aspect of my game; I learned how to simply get results even when I might be having an off day. You can always work hard and close out a game even if it’s not your day. My high school experience in soccer is different than that at Penn Fusion; the rough character of the games has helped me develop a resilience and an attitude that has allowed me to maintain a calm attitude under stressful circumstances.

Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-game preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a game.

A: For weekday games I try to take care of all my academics so I don’t have to worry about anything before game time. I try to eat at the right times and drink enough water, so I’m in the best condition for the game. For weekend games I make sure to sleep as much as possible and eat a good breakfast. When we get in the locker room I make sure to keep my teammates locked in for the game.

Q: You wear uniform No. 8 for Lower Merion – is there a reason you picked this number – does it have any significance to you?

A: I’ve been No. 8 ever since I joined Penn Fusion in 2014. I feel the responsibility to help my team and be a leader in my team when wearing 8. I feel like the number resembles a player that is well balanced, a leader and a player that comes through for his teammates.

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Lower Merion other than soccer?

A: I take part in Build On, Best Buddies, Friendship club and Investment Club. When I’m not busy playing soccer on the weekend, I like to go to Build On projects where we help out around the community. My favorite project is going to Philadelphia and visiting the Jane Addams shelter where we spend time with the kids.

Q: What is your favorite course at Lower Merion? What would you like to major in at college?

A: I can’t choose one favorite but last year I enjoyed my AP US History class with Mr. Henneberry. This year I really like my AP Human Geography class with Mr. Levy where we study the patterns and processes that have shaped our current society. So far I do not know what I want to major in in college, but I’m interested in International Relations and Business.

Fun facts – Philip Monos

Favorite book: “I enjoy reading nonfiction historical books.”

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite movie: The Pursuit of Happyness.

Favorite athlete: Frenkie de Jong.

Favorite team: Barcelona.

Favorite place to visit: Greece.

Favorite pre-game meal: Oatmeal.

Person I most admire, and why: “My father because of the role he has played in my life, he always advises me, encourages me and supports me. He has taught me discipline and above all hard work.”

Family members: parents Dimitri and Areti, older brothers Stelios, George and Yanni.

(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