Hempstead, NY – Hofstra men's soccer alumni Paul Saccoccio has been owning and operating Gino's Pizzeria with his family in Lake Ronkonkoma. With COVID-19 forcing states into closing most businesses and enacting strict takeout-only rules for restaurants, forcing many restaurants to lay off their employees. Saccoccio has been doing what he can to have his employees keep their jobs while remaining safe.

"For me, my primary goals are to keep everyone inside the store and myself healthy, and to keep everyone working and employed," Saccoccio said. "As long as I can do those things, then I've accomplished everything I set out to do during this time."

With the closings of schools and other businesses throughout Long Island due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Saccoccio had many friends in teaching in New York City with students that relied on school meals. Saccoccio saw this as an opportunity to give back to his community and to those in need.

"We decided that Monday through Thursday, we'd offer a free slice of pizza to every kid that would need it," Saccoccio says. "It's our way of giving back and helping out anyone who's struggling and couldn't afford a hot meal during this time."

Saccoccio was a member of the Hofstra men's soccer team from 2000-2004 and credits his time on the team towards helping him in owning and operating a business and getting through the difficult times COVID-19 presents.

"I'm a big advocate for athletics and that team atmosphere, and I bring that mindset into my pizzeria every day. These guys all know that there's times on the soccer field like 'we don't want to run sprints after practice,' 'we don't wanna do this or that,'" Saccoccio said. "There's times where you need that pound-the-pavement toughness, and I bring that to my restaurant. I think being an athlete and learning the lessons that I did has only helped me in my business and in life."

Saccoccio says that he loves what he does every day and will not let the COVID-19 crisis affect him, his family, or his employees. By following the state and federal guidelines on social distancing and maintaining a positive mindset, Saccoccio believes that he can continue his business during this difficult time.

Those wishing to support our student-athletes during this time can do so by visiting our Student-Athlete Emergency Fund. This fund was created to assist our student-athletes who have been financially impacted by this massive public health crisis and is designed to assist with travel, moving costs, housing, and other essential support. Thank you for your continued support of Hofstra Athletics and our terrific student-athletes. #HofstraStrong