St. Augustine senior Ryan Demato has a drive to succeed

RICHLAND — Ryan Demato follows a well-worn path. Every day. Both ways. 

The St. Augustine senior boys lacrosse player doesn’t just take the 45-minute-plus ride to and from his Wellington Woods, Medford home, he’s made the trek his entire life.  

“Both of my brothers came here,” Demato said. “I practically lived here as a kid. I was always coming to their games. I was probably eight years old when I first came here.” 

Fairview road, to Atsion, to 206, through Hammonton to 54, to 40, to homeroom and back again, through the heart of the Pine Barrens, day after day. It’s some of the prettiest, quietest country in New Jersey. But it can be a long, lonely ride. 

“I listen to audiobooks,” Demato said. “It sounds a little nerdy but I enjoy them. Audiobooks pretty much keep me awake throughout the ride. Sometimes I'll drive with some friends and we’ll have conversation over the drive so it's not that bad.” 

Demato has half a dozen or so teammates from Medford and more along the route to choose from, for company. St. Augustine draws students from all corners of South Jersey. Demato had a built-in advantage over most of his teammates. He was already home when he officially enrolled.  

“I totally know exactly what Coach (JC) Valore wants out of his players,” Demato said. “i knew the constant drive and motivation he expects from a team during practices, games, film sessions or anything else. He wants success on the field and in the classroom.” 

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The Hermits have built a winning culture in Richland. Players like Demato, who’ve had brothers go through the program are a vital part of maintaining those standards. 

“I've known Ryan, I think, since he was two, which is pretty cool,” Valore said. “He's been everything from a little brother to guys on my team, to a growing lacrosse player at camp in the summers. He’s even been a ball boy for us. I’ve known him for quite a while which speaks to who he is and the relationship we have, which is fun.” 

After at least a decade and a half of taking the ride to Richland, Demato is preparing for a different commute. And a new adventure. 

“Next year, I'm actually doing a post-grad year at the Han School up in Princeton,” Demato said. “It gives me another year for recruiting, another year to prepare with academics. I think it's a good option for me and a good option for a lot of other people.” 

Demato has been highly recruited both for academics and lacrosse. With the disruption of losing the 2020 season to COVID, Demato sees a year at Hun as an opportunity. 

“Ryan is a high-academic kid,” Valore said. “Ryan is an extremely talented attackman who will benefit from a PG year in many ways. As strong of a player he is, he will only continue to get better. He's got a really high ceiling. Ry's built for a high academic environment with a strong lacrosse program.” 

Demato will add to his already strong resume with a year at Hun. It’s also an opportunity for a head start on academic college credits and the transition to college life. 

“The post-grad year hopefully is going to give me a good course load that will get me ready for those colleges,” Demato said. “I'm really looking for a tough academic school year that will set me up for the rest of my life.” 

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