LYNNFIELD — Pioneer placekicker Massimo LoGrasso is taking his talent to the next level, as in Western New England University, where he plans to continue his kicking career on the football field.
LoGrasso also looked at UMass Dartmouth, St. Anselm, and Assumption. But once he visited WNE, he knew it was the only place for him.
“I love the campus. It’s small and coming from a small town, I didn’t want a big school,” LoGrasso said. “I wanted a school where I could know everyone, like at Lynnfield. The campus had a nice feel to it and I just loved everything about it.”
LoGrasso said the coaching staff was another major factor.
“Coach (Jason) Lebeau and everyone were so hospitable and welcoming,” he said. “I had never had a coach call me so many times to check up on me, to check on my grades, and ask what I was up to. He was super supportive of me. Western New England was the first team that showed me love. When I got an offer for a roster spot in November, he called me right away that night. Honestly, I was surprised to get an offer so early. It just came out of the blue and I am so thankful.”
LoGrasso grew up playing soccer. He started kicking in the sixth grade, just for fun, and was the Pioneers’ placekicker on the freshman football team.
He was playing club soccer at the time and attended an academy in Florida before switching over to football full-time.
“When I first started playing football, I didn’t really love kicking, but most of my friends were football players,” he said. “So, I really started to put a lot of work in and even had a trainer, Nick Deeks, who was phenomenal to work with the last two years.”
LoGrasso said placekicking isn’t just about technique, but also about mental toughness.
“It’s just not about going out there and kicking as much as it is to be confident you are going to make every kick,” he said. “My approach is simple. I tell myself I am going to make it and walk to the ball. I take three steps back and make the sign of the cross, then take two steps to the side and tell myself, ‘I am going to make this kick.’
A Pioneers’ 2024 Special Teams Player of the Year (along with Brian DeGangi and Michael Murphy), LoGrasso plans to major in business management before eventually going into the family business.
“My family is in the barber shop business and owns three shops in Boston. It’s become my passion,” LoGrasso said. “I love cutting hair, especially when clients want to cut inches off so I can be creative. When I was younger, I didn’t think much about it, but now I know it’s what I want to do.”
LoGrasso said he’s built up a base of more than 40 clients. He became serious during his junior year when teammates began asking him to cut their hair.
“We were doing team cuts, so that’s how I started. I don’t think they were the best haircuts, but I really enjoyed it,” he said. “My mother got me a set of clippers and trimmers and I got hooked. I became obsessed with it.”
He learned the basics from watching YouTube videos, eventually building a base of more than 40 clients. While he doesn’t charge a fee, his clients are generous with tips.
“All the money I make is from tips. Everyone is always so respectful and I love that they trust me,” LoGrasso said. “When I get to college, I know I’ll have to start charging, but right now, I am thankful that I’ve been pretty successful and am happy with the art I am making and feel I can do whatever my clients ask me to do.”
LoGrasso works out of his basement salon – complete with ring lights, a wide-screen television tuned into ESPN, a dart board, and a styling chair complete with mirror. He plans to get licensed, which requires 1,000 hours of training at a Massachusetts barber school, as well as completion of written and practical exams and an apprenticeship with a master barber for at least 18 months.
“I want to be ready to take over my cousin’s shop in Southie after I graduate from college,” LoGrasso said.
LoGrasso was one of four Pioneers to break school records this year. He converted 8-of-8 extra points in the Pioneers’ 59-6 victory over Hamilton-Wenham, a feat nobody had accomplished in the history of Lynnfield football. He also made a 34-yard field goal, earning game-ball honors.
He finished the season with three field goals (a single-season record) and also finished his career with six (another school record). Pioneers’ head coach Pat Lamusta described LoGrasso as a “force of nature” in the kicking game.
“Yes, he made some deep, impressive field goals, but the consistent kickoff yardage was huge for our defense and managing the game,” Lamusta said. “He brought great locker room energy as a competitor and a genuinely positive and upbeat personality. He was just great to have around and we are so pleased with his work ethic when it comes to academics to afford him a great opportunity at Western New England. I’m excited to see what Massimo can do at the next level.”
LoGrasso is set to report for preseason at WNE the second week of August. He is “super excited” to compete against Lynnfield teammate, Iain McCarthy, who will be playing at Conference of New England rival Salve Regina.
“I just love Iain. He’s a wonderful kid to be around and I am so excited to go up against him this fall,” LoGrasso said, adding he has no expectations other than working hard to prove himself.
“There are three other kickers on the roster, so all I can do is just do my best and show them what I can do and take it from there,” he said. “Hopefully, it will all work out. I know it will take a ton of hard work and commitment, but I’m confident I will be ready to do just that.”
