From Pennsylvania to Lake Como: Nick Hanushchak’s Scholarship Journey with Como 1907

Nick Hanushchak’s journey from Springfield, Pennsylvania to the banks of Lake Como was a quiet leap of faith — a chance to step into a new country, a new culture, and a different kind of football. As the first recipient of the Como 1907 Scholarship, the 18-year-old centre back spent a formative year learning his craft in one of the most tactical football environments in the world.

Born to Ukrainian parents and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Hanushchak came through the Philadelphia Union Academy before making the 4,000-mile move to Italy. “It was my first real experience living by myself, away from my family,” he said. His routine in Como was a full one: training with the Primavera squad, Italian lessons three times a week with his tutor Elena, and keeping up with online schooling.

The shift from American to Italian football took some adjusting. “The styles of play were definitely very different,” he explained. “In America, it’s a lot more physical, just a lot about speed and physicality. In Italy, it was a lot more tactical. You also learned a lot more about the mental side of the game, movement off the ball.”

A highlight of his time in Como was the opportunity to train with the first team. “Learning how the pros take every little small detail seriously, and how their mentality is that they go for every single ball 100% – that was one of the best experiences for me,” he said. Those sessions gave him a glimpse of the standards and mindset required at the top level.

Off the pitch, Hanushchak threw himself into life in Como. Living in a city framed by mountains and lake views had always been a dream, and he made the most of it — whether by walking along the lake or sampling the local gelato, which he insists is “so much different than the US.”

The language barrier was real, but he worked at it steadily. “It’s a very difficult language to learn,” he said. “But it got better as the days went on, communicating with more people, learning new phrases and words that you use every day.” He also regularly attended matches at the Sinigaglia with his host family, soaking up the rhythm and atmosphere of Italian football from the stands.

Looking to the future, he remains grounded. “I like to take things one day at a time. I don’t like to think about the future too much. Just focus on school, focus on the important things, focus on my family, focus on sports and see where it takes me.”

Nick Hanushchak’s time with Como 1907 marked the beginning of a bigger journey — one that reflects the club’s desire to connect continents, cultures, and young talent through football. His time in Italy was more than just an education in the game. It was a reminder that some of the best growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.