Inside The Den – Wilson Maselle’s Unbelievable Journey To Mercer
9/16/2026 4:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
MACON – Growing up in the south, every kid's dream is to suit up for their favorite college. Whether it's scoring the game-winning goal, winning a conference championship or competing for a national championship, dream scenarios would race through one's head when they are playing in the backyard with their siblings or watching the game with their friends or family.
For Wilson Maselle, it's more than a dream.
Wilson spent the last two years attending classes at Georgia State and working towards obtaining a degree in computer science. However, he was not a member of Georgia State's men's soccer team. He was just a regular student balancing classwork, a full-time job, helping support his family and dreaming of getting the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level.
"This whole thing is surreal to me," Maselle said. "I never expected to get the opportunity to play at this level."
A native of Marietta, Georgia, Wilson joined the Lanier Soccer Association, a club that competes in the MLS Next, in his senior year of high school. Head coach Brad Ruzzo spotted Wilson during the MLS Next Fest Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona this past December, and the rest is history.
"I entered that tournament thinking that it could be the last time I ever played soccer," Maselle said. "Nobody knew me. Nobody batted an eye at me. There was a bit of heartache in the whole thing. But, when I took that pitch, I just thanked God for everything that He has done for me up until that point and I gave it my all. I believe that was one of my best performances I have ever had."
Wilson made the move to Macon in the spring semester and had the opportunity to travel with the Bears back to Georgia State on September 9.
"Man, what a surreal experience that was," Maselle said. "When I stepped onto that pitch, and I saw the MARTA riding past, it really brought everything into perspective for me. I remember riding that train every single day to get to my classes and looking down towards the field hoping that I could play on it one day. It reminded me of where I came from, and all of the hard work I have poured into this. I am extremely thankful that Coach Ruzzo gave me this opportunity."
Wilson made his collegiate debut in the Bears' season opener against Florida Atlantic on August 20. He made his first collegiate start three days later. Wilson has appeared in five of the Bears' first seven matches and has logged 382 minutes in a Mercer uniform.
"When I took the pitch as a Bear for the first time, I had no idea what to think" Maselle said. "Manza [Masamuna] went down after the first five minutes with an injury, and when Coach Ruzzo called my name, my eyes widened a little bit. I said to myself, 'Okay, this is it. This is your opportunity. All of the late nights have led to this,' and I went out there and gave it my all."
Wilson attributes his opportunity to play Division I soccer to his family and his faith, the two most important aspects of his life.
"I love my mother and my sisters to death. I've been through so much with them," Maselle said. "They've seen me struggle and have inspired me to continue to through and to work extremely hard every single day. I also dedicate everything to God. Ever since I was 10 years old, I've been shown miracles and given grace, and I could not be where I am today without my faith in Jesus Christ."
Wilson's story is just beginning. The junior midfielder dreams of one day playing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and coding software that can help change lives. For now, Wilson's going to keep giving 100% every single day and let God continue to pave his path.
For Wilson Maselle, it's more than a dream.
Wilson spent the last two years attending classes at Georgia State and working towards obtaining a degree in computer science. However, he was not a member of Georgia State's men's soccer team. He was just a regular student balancing classwork, a full-time job, helping support his family and dreaming of getting the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level.
"This whole thing is surreal to me," Maselle said. "I never expected to get the opportunity to play at this level."
A native of Marietta, Georgia, Wilson joined the Lanier Soccer Association, a club that competes in the MLS Next, in his senior year of high school. Head coach Brad Ruzzo spotted Wilson during the MLS Next Fest Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona this past December, and the rest is history.
"I entered that tournament thinking that it could be the last time I ever played soccer," Maselle said. "Nobody knew me. Nobody batted an eye at me. There was a bit of heartache in the whole thing. But, when I took that pitch, I just thanked God for everything that He has done for me up until that point and I gave it my all. I believe that was one of my best performances I have ever had."
Wilson made the move to Macon in the spring semester and had the opportunity to travel with the Bears back to Georgia State on September 9.
"Man, what a surreal experience that was," Maselle said. "When I stepped onto that pitch, and I saw the MARTA riding past, it really brought everything into perspective for me. I remember riding that train every single day to get to my classes and looking down towards the field hoping that I could play on it one day. It reminded me of where I came from, and all of the hard work I have poured into this. I am extremely thankful that Coach Ruzzo gave me this opportunity."
Wilson made his collegiate debut in the Bears' season opener against Florida Atlantic on August 20. He made his first collegiate start three days later. Wilson has appeared in five of the Bears' first seven matches and has logged 382 minutes in a Mercer uniform.
"When I took the pitch as a Bear for the first time, I had no idea what to think" Maselle said. "Manza [Masamuna] went down after the first five minutes with an injury, and when Coach Ruzzo called my name, my eyes widened a little bit. I said to myself, 'Okay, this is it. This is your opportunity. All of the late nights have led to this,' and I went out there and gave it my all."
Wilson attributes his opportunity to play Division I soccer to his family and his faith, the two most important aspects of his life.
"I love my mother and my sisters to death. I've been through so much with them," Maselle said. "They've seen me struggle and have inspired me to continue to through and to work extremely hard every single day. I also dedicate everything to God. Ever since I was 10 years old, I've been shown miracles and given grace, and I could not be where I am today without my faith in Jesus Christ."
Wilson's story is just beginning. The junior midfielder dreams of one day playing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and coding software that can help change lives. For now, Wilson's going to keep giving 100% every single day and let God continue to pave his path.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's SoccerWednesday, September 16
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Sunday, September 13
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