Joe Sottolano

Joe Sottolano, originally from New York, was one of 36 players selected nationally to try out for Team USA in 1990. He also played a pivotal role in the 1988 Division III NCAA Baseball National Championship team, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player (MOP).

With 23 years of Division I coaching experience and 14 as a Head Coach, Joe has guided over 20 student-athletes to be selected in the MLB Amateur Draft and has coached 46 All-Americans. Notably, one of his players, Chris Rowley, reached the Major Leagues.

These accomplishments underscore his relentless competitive spirit both on and off the field. Joe's core values—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence—were solidified during his coaching tenure at West Point.

Joe's journey began at Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, New York, where he was awarded the 1986 Times Herald Records Tri-County Player of the Year. His baseball career flourished at Ithaca College, where he was a left-handed pitcher. As a sophomore, he led his team 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 in PE Teaching and a minor in Health, he started his coaching career at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He was responsible for the pitching staff and the team's strength and agility programs, actively recruiting talent to build a championship contender.

He later returned to Ithaca College to earn a Master of Science and assist the baseball team, further honing his coaching skills.

In 1992, Joe brought his expertise to the United States Military Academy at West Point as an Assistant Baseball Coach and was promoted to Head Coach in 2000. At West Point, he played a crucial role in developing its Division I Baseball Team, exceeding recruiting and fundraising goals. His responsibilities included serving as the national recruiting coordinator and pitching coach, managing all on-field instruction, and developing comprehensive practice and training programs.

From 2000 to 2013, Joe transformed the USMA's baseball program into a nationally ranked entity and led them to multiple NCAA tournament berths—the first in the program's over 100-year history. He managed a significant budget, significantly grew the donor base, and served as the program's brand ambassador on major sports networks.