Connection Sports

Joey Sullivan’s performance on the mound during the 2014 postseason was one of the primary reasons the McLean baseball team made its first trip to the state tournament in program history.

Sullivan’s three-hit shutout against South Lakes in the Conference 6 quarterfinals secured the Highlanders a berth in the region tournament. The McLean right-hander tossed a one-hit shutout against Conference 5 champion Oakton in the opening round of regionals, and limited Madison to one run in the region semifinals, helping the Highlanders punch their ticket to states with a 5-1 victory.

Sullivan was also a standout for the McLean basketball team, earning Conference 6 Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. Sullivan will stick to baseball at the next level, however, as the 2014 McLean graduate will pitch for Virginia Tech.

Sullivan, who also played shortstop for the Highlanders, recently participated in a Q&A via email with The Connection.

*Connection: What made Virginia Tech the right fit for you?

Sullivan: Virginia Tech was right for me because it is pretty close to home and I will be playing in a great program while getting an awesome education.

*Connection: What will your major be? What position will you play?

Sullivan: I will be pitching and majoring in business.

*Connection: At what age did you start playing baseball? Have you always been a pitcher/shortstop? When did you realize playing college baseball was a possibility for you?

Sullivan: I started playing tee-ball when I was 5 and it’s been my favorite sport since. Growing up, I did always pitch and play middle infield. Ever since middle school, I had wanted to play in college and when I got to high school, it became a reality.

*Connection: You played for three different head coaches during your time on the McLean baseball team. What was it like playing for a program with so much change in leadership?

Sullivan: Playing under so many different coaches wasn’t easy. Each coach had a pretty unique style that was different than the other. It took a lot of getting used to and figuring out how practices are run and whatnot.

*Connection: Did you play a fall sport?

Sullivan: I played freshman football, but I also swim in the summer. Swimming might actually be the sport at which I am most talented. I have a league record as well as many pool records for my swim team. I just never pursued winter swim seriously.

*Connection: What is your favorite memory of playing high school baseball? What is your favorite basketball memory?

Sullivan: My favorite baseball memory was probably beating Madison this year in the regional semis. It was a great all-around team win and I had a great game on the bump. Not to mention we knocked out Madison. For basketball, my favorite memory is beating Langley this year at Langley. I had 17 points and we won the game in overtime and our fans stormed the court at the end. I will never forget that game.

*Connection: If you could go back and change one thing about your high school athletic career, what would it be?

Sullivan: If I could change anything about my high school athletic career it would be that I wish I started my pitching program with Rob Reilly and Dan Olds earlier. They are great guys and coaches who really helped elevate my game.

*Connection: How would you describe the McLean-Langley rivalry?

Sullivan: The McLean-Langley rivalry might be the coolest thing about high school sports. I grew up playing against and with one of my buddies from Langley. I’m really good friends with Jake McSteen, who was Langley’s stud [pitcher] this year. We love playing against each other because on the field neither of us wants to lose, but we both have a huge amount of respect for each other. As far as the basketball games go, there is absolutely no other high school sports experience like it. I used to dream about the Langley game over and over again.

*Connection: What are you most looking forward to about the transition from high school to college?

Sullivan: I’m excited to have more freedom and to meet new kids. College should be a lot of work but a lot of fun, too.

*Connection: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?

Sullivan: My favorite artist is the Zac Brown Band. They have so many good songs that I listen to and so many of them put a smile on my face.

*Connection: What location is the farthest you have traveled from the Washington, D.C. metro area?

Sullivan: I have traveled to London and Ireland before. That was awesome.

*Connection: Are you a pro sports fan? If so, who are your favorite teams?

Sullivan: I watch SportsCenter all the time. I love the Nats, Skins, Wizards, and Caps. Love DC sports.