Joe Sottolano, originally from New York, distinguished himself early in his athletic career. He was one of only 36 players nationwide chosen for Team USA trials in 1990. He also clinched the title of Most Outstanding Player (MOP) at the 1988 Division III NCAA Baseball National Championship.
In his extensive coaching career, spanning 23 years with 14 as a head coach, Joe has seen over 20 of his student-athletes get selected in the MLB Amateur Draft and coached 46 All-Americans. Notably, one of his players, Chris Rowley, ascended to the Major Leagues. These achievements highlight Joe's persistent competitive spirit both on and off the field.
The core values that Joe adheres to—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence—were ingrained during his time as a coach at West Point. These principles have consistently guided his professional conduct and personal life.
Joe's journey in baseball began at Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, New York, where he was honored as the 1986 Times Herald Records Tri-County Player of the Year. His prowess continued at Ithaca College, where, as a sophomore left-handed pitcher, he led the Bombers to a national championship and was named the most outstanding player of the Division III World Series.
After graduating from Ithaca College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science, focusing on PE Teaching with a minor in Health, Joe initiated his coaching career at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. There, he was pivotal in managing the pitching staff and enhancing the team's strength and agility programs, setting the stage for future championship pursuits.
He returned to Ithaca College to earn a Master of Science and further developed his coaching skills while assisting the baseball team.
In 1992, Joe took his enthusiasm for nurturing athletes to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Starting as an assistant coach, he was promoted to head coach in 2000. At USMA, he not only met but exceeded recruitment and fundraising targets, significantly advancing the Division I Baseball Team's competitive stature. He managed all on-field instruction and practice schedules and developed comprehensive training programs for the athletes.
As head coach from 2000 to 2013, Joe transformed USMA's baseball program into a nationally recognized team, securing multiple NCAA tournament berths for the first time in its over a century-long history and becoming the winningest coach in the Academy's records.
Managing an annual budget of over a million dollars, he raised over $4 million through effective fundraising and expanded the Academy's donor base significantly. His role extended to serving as the team's brand ambassador, featuring prominently on ESPN, CBS Sports, and the YES Network.
Following his tenure at USMA, Joe was the premier instructor at the Frozen Ropes National Training Center and then the Lead Travel Team Instructor at the Extra Innings Baseball/Softball Facility, where he developed a comprehensive training manual for coaches.
Currently, at Holy Family Schools in Alabama, he oversees the physical education curriculum and athletic activities, instilling strong ethical, character, leadership, and Christian values in students.
Joe enjoys life with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, indulging in hunting and fishing. As a man of faith, he actively contributes to his community, making significant donations to various charities and providing essentials to people in need, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
In every role, Joe Sottolano exemplifies dedication to Excellence, integrity, and service. Through his professional endeavors and community engagement, he has impacted countless individuals.