By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Last year, Giulio “Lio” Banchero added to his family’s storied legacy with the O’Dea High School football program, becoming the third member of his family to win a state title. His father, Mario Banchero, won in 1991, and his brother, Paolo Banchero of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, led the Fighting Irish to a title in 2017 as a quarterback.
Now a senior at O’Dea, Banchero looks back on his time at the school and reflects on how deeply his family values being part of the Fighting Irish football legacy.
“It means everything to continue our family legacy at O’Dea,” says Banchero. “I have always been a huge fan. I always used to bother my dad to try and go to as many practices as possible before I even got to O’Dea. I would hang out with all of the guys, and I always had a great connection with the coaches.
“It is just everything,” added Banchero. “I have had my grandpa, uncle, dad, older cousin, older brother, and now me being able to carry on the Banchero name at O’Dea. I mean, is there something better than that?”
His father, Mario, shares that sentiment, expressing how meaningful it is to see the Banchero legacy continue through his children.
“There is no question, it is special,” says Mario Banchero. “Just being a kid myself who grew up around the school, and then to see both of my sons have success is incredible. And for the three of us to have that bond, it is not something that happens very often, and to share our championships is incredible.”
Mario explained that while his oldest son, Paolo, faced the pressure of high expectations as an athlete, Lio’s challenge was growing up in the shadow of his older brother.
“It is interesting because all of your kids have different experiences. I think going back, Paolo probably had the highest expectations of an athlete going in, but I think what Lio dealt with was then sort of the potential to become and being in that shadow,” said Mario Banchero. “I think what he has done is an incredible job of being apologetically himself. He’s got a big personality, so that really helps. He carves out his own path and is really diving into that, just by really being himself and creating his own.”
For Lio, O’Dea represents true brotherhood, and the school’s culture around football has provided him with a sense of an extended family — one that he knows he can always count on.
“Everybody always says O’Dea is a brotherhood, and it is a real thing. It is a family,” said Banchero. “I can call on any of my teammates if I need anything, and they’re going to do their best to help me out on the field. It takes a lot of the pressure off the game knowing that if I make a mistake, I’m going to have 10 guys on the field rallying around and telling me I’m alright.”
“As a person, it teaches you how to really be yourself. No matter if you’re a starter or on JV, you have something to contribute and to bring to the team,” added Banchero. “There’s not really a day when you can have an off day. You have to bring your 100% every day.”
Beyond the strong sense of brotherhood at O’Dea, Banchero deeply values the relationship he has developed with head coach Monte Kohler, describing it as one built on tough love.
“He is just an honest guy, and I admire how he connects with his guys on a personal level,” says Banchero.
“He is all about tough love. He gets on me every day without any breaks, telling me to do better or run faster. But then when we get to game time, he will come to me and just say I love you, and go have fun,” he continued. “I just love the way he keeps his players grounded and makes sure that no one is thinking that they are too good or better than anyone on the team.”
As one of the team captains, Banchero takes pride in using his leadership role to support the younger players, making sure they feel included and fully part of the team in every way.
“It is an elevated role, but I really just want to see everyone do good and play their best,” says Banchero.
“I am like the energy guy of the team. I’m always smiling. I’m always having fun. You know, you’ll catch me laughing at practice, dancing at practice, laughing during the games, just making sure everybody’s having fun,” Banchero continued. “But really, I just like to see all the young guys do well, because the older guys kind of take care of themselves. And, you know, if they need that boost, I’ll give it to them.”
His father says that what makes him most proud of Lio, beyond his athletic talent, is his strong leadership and the way he carries himself both on and off the field.
“The leadership piece and his desire to give back makes me proud,” says Mario Banchero. “He always makes sure that he has time for people, and he is very appreciative of folks. His ability to be a good dude, lead, and serve makes me very proud of the young man he has become.”
As Lio’s final season at O’Dea comes to a close, his goals, which are centered more on the success of the team than on personal achievements, remain simple — winning another state championship.
“Going back-to-back is always the main goal. It is never easy, but I know we have the guys to do it, and that would be something super special for me,” says Banchero. “I am not really too big on personal goals. I am a big team guy. I play receiver at a run-heavy school, so I do as much as I can with the opportunities that I get. But just seeing the team win is my main focus.”
Banchero said that watching his older brother’s journey to professional sports taught him that hard work is the key to everything you want out of life.
“Not everything is handed to you, and there is a lot of work that comes with wanting to be a professional athlete and reach that ultimate goal,” said Banchero.
“My mom played professionally, my dad and uncle played in college, so it is important to remember that you have to do your own work,” added Banchero. “Just because you have a family member who has made it professionally, doesn’t mean that you are automatically going to. But everybody in my family has done a great job of helping me continue a hard-working mindset.”
Lio, who has committed to playing Division I football at Eastern Washington University next fall, is eager to continue honing his skills and advancing through the levels of the football world.
“I thank the Lord that I got a full-ride scholarship, and my college figured out early,” said Banchero. “I love the coaching staff and all the players over there. I love the city of Cheney, everything out there is amazing, and they are very supportive. They love me just as much as I love them, and I know they want to see me win and continue that winning pedigree and carry it over to Cheney.”
