Joe Sullivan '22 Recruiting Profile

My love for soccer started when I was six years old. In 2011, I had the privilege of walking out on the field with Mr. Wayne Rooney to start the MLS All Star Game. That year the MLS All Stars’ played Manchester United at Red Bull Arena and United won the game 4-0. That night on the way home in the car all I can remember is wanting to grow up and be a soccer player. Over the next few years I studied a lot of players but Mr. Andrea Pirlo is my favorite; he is a true architect of the game. I just love the way he is able to read the game, move the ball around, place a perfect pass down the pitch and remain calm and humble throughout it. I want to be able to grow into a player that is a leader as well as a role model to others both on and off the field. Soccer to me is more than just a game, it is a lifestyle. I know that in order to achieve something in life, you need to be disciplined and work extremely hard. I also know that nothing comes easy in life. When I am on the field, nothing else matters. I want to be able to make the plays that will lead my Club and teammates to victory. I know I still have a lot to learn but it is what I focus on every single day.

During the last ten years of my life, I have trained with multiple coaches with different playing styles. I have learned a lot from each of them. I am the type of player that likes to break the lines. I like to focus on ball control and can use either foot for possession or to move the ball around the pitch. I typically play central defensive midfielder but I have also played on both wings and can transition very quickly to either position. My first coach, whose Club I was on for 8 years, trained me in styles that he learned in Columbia. He has been very influential to my playing style and taught me to always keep challenging myself on and off the field. My other coaches have trained me in more of an American style soccer which has made me become comfortable adjusting my playing style as needed. This past season I played on a Club team where I was the captain (Auburndale SC from Queens, NY). We went undefeated and won the league with 2 games in hand. This upcoming senior season, I am playing for A.C Perugia's Academy in Italy (In the second division of Italy). If I am not at practice with my teams, I am likely in my backyard practicing drills. I love being around the game, I watch lots of professional matches and like helping coach younger children. Besides wanting to play soccer for the rest of my life, I am also interested in Business, Marketing, and Computer Information/Science. I also just enjoy being with my friends and playing other sports like basketball and video games.