Mountainside's Giovanni Cerullo Coaches With Purpose

Giovanni Cerullo has been coaching youth sports in Mountainside since 2015, building basketball and baseball programs that have grown into some of the borough's most active youth initiatives. On September 16, 2026, Mountainside formally recognized Cerullo for his contributions with a proclamation from Mayor Paul Mirabelli and PAL President Jeanie Ruban.

FROM ELIZABE TH TO MOUNTAINSIDE

Cerullo grew up in Peterstown, a small neighborhood in Elizabeth, where basketball was a constant presence. He played four years at Roselle Catholic, later coached at St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Elizabeth, and has worked for the Elizabeth Fire Department. He also helps run John's Caffé, the family pizzeria his grandfather opened on Elizabeth Avenue in 1968.

When Cerullo moved to Mountainside in 2015, he brought his passion for youth sports with him. Over more than a decade, he has become a central figure in the borough's youth athletics community.

BUILDING BASKETBALL

Cerullo estimates he has coached more than 17 seasons in Mountainside basketball and is now entering his fourth year as boys travel basketball director. The program runs through the Mountainside Police Athletic League (PAL) and teams compete in the Jersey Basketball League (JBL).

"Basketball was always something that I loved, always something that I loved to teach, loved to play," Cerullo said.

Last season, Mountainside fielded nine travel basketball teams — the most the program has ever had — including its first third-grade travel team. More boys signed up for basketball than ever before.

"We just want to keep building it, keep growing, and giving these kids a place to play," Cerullo said.

BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND RECOGNITION

In 2025, Cerullo assembled and led Mountainside's first 8U District baseball team, with Matt Wasserman, Matt Leonardelli, and Casey LaCasse serving as co-coaches. The team went undefeated in pool play and defeated Cranford 10-0 in the championship game to win the District 12 title.

"As everybody knows, Mountainside is a big baseball town," Cerullo said.

The September 16 proclamation recognized both the players and coaches, acknowledging the championship achievement and Cerullo's broader impact on youth sports in the borough.

THE REWARD OF COACHING

Cerullo has coached each of his three sons throughout their athletic development. Former players often stay in touch, texting him on birthdays, Father's Day, or simply to say thank you.

One story stands out. Cerullo had to cut a boy from the travel team in sixth grade due to roster limitations. Instead of dismissing him, Cerullo offered encouragement: "Don't let this define you. Don't let them pigeonhole you. You work hard, you come back."

The player made the team in seventh grade, became one of its better players in eighth grade, and continued into the basketball program at Governor Livingston. Years later, Cerullo ran into him at a camp.

"Coach, I just want to say thank you," the former player told him. "I still remember what you said to me that day when you cut me, and it's always fueled that fire, and I just want to keep getting better."

Cerullo reflected on moments like these: "To me, that's the best reward as a coach."

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE

Cerullo credits the volunteers who support the programs. "Nobody's getting paid here," he said. "The volunteers are the backbone of our small, beautiful town. It's easy to criticize, it's hard to show up every night with a whistle, trying to do your best."

Union County Life covers youth sports, community leaders, and local initiatives across all 21 Union County municipalities. Coaches like Cerullo represent the volunteer infrastructure that sustains youth programs in small communities.

For Cerullo, the goal remains straightforward: "At the end of the day, we want them to fall in love with the sport."

FAQ

Who is Giovanni Cerullo?
Giovanni Cerullo is a youth sports coach in Mountainside who has been coaching basketball and baseball for more than 17 seasons. He moved to Mountainside in 2015 and is also a member of the Elizabeth Fire Department and co-owner of John's Caffé, a family pizzeria.

How long has Cerullo been coaching in Mountainside?
Cerullo has been coaching youth sports in Mountainside since 2015, with more than 17 seasons coaching basketball specifically.

What basketball program does Cerullo run?
Cerullo is the boys travel basketball director for the Mountainside Police Athletic League (PAL). Teams compete in the Jersey Basketball League (JBL). Last season, the program fielded 9 travel teams, the most in the program's history.

What basketball experience does Cerullo have?
Cerullo played four years of basketball at Roselle Catholic High School and later coached at St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Elizabeth before moving to Mountainside.

What baseball achievements has Cerullo accomplished?
In 2025, Cerullo led Mountainside's first 8U District baseball team, which went undefeated in pool play and defeated Cranford 10-0 to win the District 12 championship title.

Why was Cerullo formally recognized in September 2026?
On September 16, 2026, Mayor Paul Mirabelli and PAL President Jeanie Ruban issued a proclamation recognizing Cerullo and his baseball team coaches for building the successful 8U baseball program and winning the District 12 championship.

Does Cerullo have other jobs besides coaching?
Yes. Cerullo works for the Elizabeth Fire Department and co-owns John's Caffé, a family pizzeria his grandfather opened in 1968 in Elizabeth.

Are the youth sports programs paid positions?
No. Cerullo and all volunteers working with the PAL programs are unpaid. The programs run entirely on volunteer effort and community support.

What is Cerullo's coaching philosophy?
Cerullo focuses on helping kids fall in love with the sport, emphasizing perseverance and not letting setbacks define them. He also coaches his own children and maintains long-term relationships with former players.

Where can I learn more about Mountainside PAL youth programs?
Contact the Mountainside Police Athletic League (PAL) or the Mountainside Recreation Department for information about basketball and baseball programs, enrollment, and registration.