Joe Sottolano Male • United States of America

Joe Sottolano, a New York native, distinguished himself early in his athletic career by being one of 36 players nationwide selected for Team USA trials in 1990. His prowess was already evident when he earned the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) title during the 1988 Division III NCAA Baseball National Championship.

With 23 years of Division I coaching experience and 14 as a Head Coach, Joe has guided over 20 student-athletes to the MLB Amateur Draft and coached 46 All-Americans, including Chris Rowley, who reached the Major Leagues. His unyielding competitive spirit is reflected in his substantial achievements both as a player and coach.

Joe's guiding principles—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence—have been his hallmark since his coaching days at West Point. They embody the values he imparts on and off the field.

His journey in baseball began at Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, New York, where he was named the 1986 Times Herald Records Tri-County Player of the Year. He continued to excel as a left-handed pitcher at Ithaca College, leading the Bombers to a national championship as a sophomore and earning the title of the most outstanding player in the Division III World Series.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in PE Teaching with a minor in Health from Ithaca College in 1990, Joe started his coaching career at Drexel University in Philadelphia. There, he was responsible for the pitching staff and the team's strength and agility programs, successfully recruiting talented players to build a future championship contender.

He returned to Ithaca College to earn a Master of Science and further honed his coaching skills while assisting with the baseball team.

In 1992, Joe's career took a pivotal turn when he joined the United States Military Academy at West Point as an Assistant Baseball Coach and was promoted to Head Coach in 2000. During his tenure, he significantly enhanced the Division I Baseball Team's capabilities through rigorous recruiting and fundraising efforts. He managed all aspects of team training, from pitching coaching to comprehensive physical conditioning programs.

As Head Coach until 2013, Joe transformed the USMA team into a nationally ranked contender, achieving multiple NCAA tournament berths for the first time in the program's history, including 2000, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2013. He holds the record for the most wins by any baseball coach in the Academy's history and significantly expanded the donor base, enhancing the program's financial and facility resources.

Post-West Point, Joe served as a premier instructor at the Frozen Ropes National Training Center and as the Lead Travel Team Instructor at Extra Innings Baseball/Softball Facility, developing training manuals and mentoring young athletes.

Currently, at Holy Family Schools in Alabama, Joe oversees the physical education curriculum and extracurricular athletic activities, incorporating life lessons through sports while fostering strong ethics, character, leadership, and Christian values.

Joe also coaches the 14u Southeast Canes Scout team with his sons and works as a sales inspector for Yellowhammer Roofing in Huntsville, Alabama.

Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, and he engages in hunting and fishing. A devoted man of faith, he actively contributes to his community, supporting various charitable activities and providing essential resources to those in need.

Joe Sottolano's career is a testament to his dedication to sportsmanship, leadership, and community engagement, making him a respected figure in both the athletic and educational fields.