Commack boys soccer player Ryan Curcio is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Commack's Ryan Curcio, right, controls the ball in front of Baldwinsville's Jack Dutter during a state Class AAA boys soccer semifinal on Nov. 15, 2025, in Middletown. Credit: Adrian Kraus
Ryan Curcio always shows up in the big moments for the Commack boys soccer team.
Last year, Curcio scored what coach Dave Moran described as “one of the most impressive shots he had seen” in the Cougars 2-1 win over Brentwood to capture the Suffolk Class AAA title, and later on, Curcio scored the lone goal in their win over Fairport to capture the state AAA title.
Fast forward to this season, and Curcio is still making big plays in clutch situations.
“The kid just thrives under pressure,” Moran said. “It’s not a common character trait in athletes. He plays when he’s hurt, he plays when he’s sick, the kid shows up. He’s always reliable in pressured situations.”
Curcio scored the winner on a free kick with 18 seconds left in the first overtime to lead Commack in a 3-2 win over Ward Melville last Wednesday. He also scored the tying goal late in the second half on another free kick. He also scored a goal in their win over Connetquot on Monday. And he had the assist to Axel Paz in their 1-0 win over Lindenhurst on Wednesday.
For his efforts, Curcio is Newsday’s Athlete of the Week.
“I’m extremely confident,” Curcio said. “You may never get a chance like this again, so why not take it? My mentality is to win the game.”
“Ryan is definitely more than just a soccer player,” Moran said. “He is a staple at Commack High School. He’s the type of guy to put the team on his back.”
The Cougars were trailing 2-1 against Ward Melville, Moran said he trusted Curcio to make those big shots because he knew the senior wouldn’t fold under pressure.
“You can always count on a kid like Ryan,” Moran said. “You can’t take him for granted. He’s been big for us.”
In addition to his performance on the field, Curcio plays basketball in the winter, saying that both sports give him a competitive edge.
“You need to have that heart and mentality to work hard,” Curcio said. “If you have the heart and are confident in yourself, you want to win.”
“He’s so good on the court,” said Moran, who is now the boys assistant basketball coach. “He’s so athletic. The stuff I’ve seen him do is incredible.”
Curcio maintains a 100 GPA and is part of multiple national honor societies. Curcio also volunteers his time as a youth basketball coach, works at a bagel store called First Class Bagel Cafe, and does landscaping with his friends. He was involved in a community service project at the SYJCC, where they laid mulch in the garden. He also does fundraisers around the school and for charity.
“It’s actually very nice,” Curcio said. “I’m able to talk and communicate with all these people. I like to put in the work and help people out."
Curcio knows he has a long season ahead of him, but he wants to end his last season with another title.
Said Curcio: “I’m not leaving my senior year without getting a state championship."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
