Joe Hartwell, a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, brings extensive soccer expertise to Breakaway Academy both as having been an impressive player and coach. Joe was a standout soccer athlete at Gustavus Adolphus. He was a two-time NSCAA All-Region Player of the Year and NSCAA All-America MIAC Player of the Year. After graduating in 2005 with majors in international management and Spanish, Joe stayed with his alma mater as an assistant coach for four seasons. Since 2011, Joe has been the men’s soccer assistant coach at Carleton College.
Joe’s dedication to coaching extends far beyond the collegiate level. Over nearly two decades, he has lent his expertise as a club coach . Joe’s commitment to youth development was evident during his 17-year tenure as a youth coach at REV Soccer Club and his ongoing coaching role at Minnesota Thunder Academy since 2017.
His coaching achievements are truly remarkable, boasting seven Minnesota State Cup Championships, multiple MYSA League and State Championships, numerous US Club State Championships. Notably, he has coached multiple players who went on to play DI-DIII college soccer, and multiple NSCAA/USC All-Americans. Joe was named Minnesota Thunder Academy Girls’ Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season. One of the smartest and most talented defenders in the history of the men’s soccer program at Gustavus Adolphus College, Joe was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
Joe holds a USSF C License. He lives in Rosemount, Minnesota with his wife Jessica and their dog, Izzy.