One-on-One: St. Augustine's John Lamanteer

St. Augustine's John Lamanteer (3) looks to make a play on the ball in the soccer match against Seton Hall Prep played at South Delsea Park in Glassboro, New Jersey, on Friday, September 18, 2026. Christian Matamoros for D2 Sports Network

In South Jersey, the most popular sport in the fall is more than likely football. Most folks will spend five dollars for a ticket to watch their friend, relative, neighbor, or local team take the gridiron. Despite the Friday night lights taking the spotlight in the fall, the soccer pitch has produced countless memorable matches, players, and teams over the years.

I spoke with one of South Jersey's top boys soccer players, St. Augustine's John Lamanteer, about this season, his plans after high school, and what drives him to keep playing the sport he started as a toddler. Lamanteer, a senior for the Hermits' club, plays forward and has tallied 16 goals and 40 total points in his swan-song campaign to date. St. Augustine clinched a bid in the South Jersey Non-Public “A” final against top-seeded Pingry. Before the Hermits are set to dance with Pingry in the sectional final, get to know more about one of their stars:

Q: What got you interested in the sport of soccer and how old were you when you started playing? 

A: “My parents got me into soccer when I was younger. I was 3 years old when I started playing and have been playing ever since. I grew up watching Lionel Messi. He has always motivated me to be a better player.”

Q: St. Augustine is widely regarded as one of the top teams in South Jersey year in and year out. What is the standard that you, the players and coaches, hold yourselves to each season?

A: “The standard is to win. We know that we have a target on our back, but it doesn’t affect us at all. We just take it game by game. We are also aware that the team's success from the previous years doesn’t define us. We have to earn our spot at the top. We work extremely hard, and I’m excited to see how far we can go this season.”

Q: What is your preparation like for each game? How do you also make sure that you’re maintaining form for both your high school and club seasons?

A: “The preparation starts the night before, making sure I’m hydrated and that I sleep well. I get all of my work done earlier in the week so there is no additional stress. When it gets closer to the game, I try to stay calm and clear my mind. During the offseason, to stay in shape, I make sure I get touches on the ball daily and do different runs for conditioning.”

Q: Who are your favorite sports teams, and do you have a specific player that you like to try and model your game after?

A: “I’m a big Philly sports fan. My favorite sports teams are the Eagles, Phillies, and the Flyers. For soccer, I support Manchester City because I admire their style of play, winning mentality, and high level of competition. I especially look up to Erling Haaland and try to model my game after him. I like his strength, movement, finishing, and ability to stay composed in front of goal. Watching him play motivates me to work on my own game and become a more complete and confident striker.” 

Q: What is your support circle like, and who are some people you may credit with supporting you in your endeavors so far? 

A: “I have a great support circle that helps me stay motivated and focused. My parents do so much for me and always support me in everything I do. My coaches and teammates have always supported me, and we have great relationships. My friends are also always there for me, showing up to games to create a good environment. I’m very grateful to have people around me who believe in me and want to see me succeed.”

Q: What are your plans for after high school? If you’re looking to play soccer post-high school, what are your options on the table right now? 

A:  “My goal is to play college soccer and continue growing as a player while getting a good education. I have visited a few different schools and had the opportunity to learn more about their soccer programs. Each visit has helped me understand more about what I am looking for in a college. I am currently uncommitted and am still going through the recruiting process to find the best fit for me. I want to find a school where I can compete at a high level, continue developing my game, and be surrounded by coaches and teammates who will push me to become better. So far, most of my collegiate athletic interest has been primarily from NJAC schools.”

Q: What major are you looking to study in college? Why is that major so important to you, and what made you interested in pursuing it in college?

A: “I want to study business in college. Business is important to me because I am interested in how companies work, how people make decisions, and what it takes to build something successful. I also like that a business degree can give me many different career opportunities and allow me to explore different interests. My goal is to get a strong education in business while also playing college soccer and preparing myself for a successful career after college.”