Shoreline Soccer Community Mourns Loss of Steve (Sully) Sullivan
The soccer community of the CT shoreline is mourning the loss of Steve Sullivan, fondly known as Sully. For the past two decades, he was part of the Morgan High School girls’ soccer program in Clinton, serving as their varsity coach since 2017 and leading them to three division championships. He also coached girls’ softball for Morgan for the past two years. For many years, Steve coached for the Soccer Club of Guilford in the club and premier divisions with both boys and girls of all different ages. Sully was a sports enthusiast who could be found in his off time taking in a Red Sox game, watching UConn basketball or cheering for his favorite English football team, Liverpool.
Sully’s impact as a coach didn’t end when the games and practices were over. He touched the lives of so many players and families by going above and beyond to show support. He would attend basketball games, volleyball matches, lacrosse games and just about every other sporting event during the soccer offseason. He would also be at the students’ award ceremonies, graduations, picnics and celebrations. It was not uncommon to see the crowds at his soccer games filled with alumni and his previous players from other towns who were all there to support Coach Sully.
He was a mentor and friend, and supported his players in every way. He displayed kindness and warmth, always making sure to let people know he cared about them. It was those qualities that allowed him to form and build connections with the community of Joel Elementary School in Clinton, where he was the beloved recess aide. His ability to connect with human beings of every age was a testament to Sully’s true and genuine character.
Over the past 50 years, Sully has left a lasting impression on the hearts of so many people in the soccer community and across the shoreline. He has taught more than just the skills of a sport. He has also taught and demonstrated the values and integrity of being a good person. Those are the impressions that leave the mark of a great human being.
All that loved Sully and knew his passion for the game of soccer know that when the first kick-off whistle blows this season for Morgan girls’ soccer, he’ll be flying high above the pitch, taking in every minute of it.
Highlights of Sully’s career (provided by Bill Lindsay, Assistant Coach, The Morgan School)
50 years coaching
35 years with Guilford Youth Program
10+ years with Clinton Youth Program
12 years as Assistant Coach at Morgan
6 years as Head Coach at Morgan
CT Girls Soccer Coach’s Association Assistant Coach of the Year
2018 New Haven Register All-Area Coach of the Year
2x Shoreline Conference Coach of the Year
3x Shoreline Conference Champions including back-to-back in 2021 and 2022
Consistent player retention with 30+ players on the Morgan team at a time when Shoreline team rosters were declining and teams were having to combine or co-op
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 5 from 2-6 p.m. at the Indian River Complex in Clinton.