One of the smartest and most talented defenders in the history of the men’s soccer program, Joe Hartwell was the driving force in returning the program back to the top of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in the early 2000s. During Hartwell’s four years as the leader of the Gustavus defensive unit, the team posted a record of 57-13-9 overall and 29-7-4 in league play, allowing only 44 goals in 77 games for an average of 0.52 goals per game.
Hartwell, a quiet but emotional leader for the Gusties, started all 17 games his freshman year and helped the team win 11 games and take third place in the MIAC. His sophomore season, Hartwell helped the team take another step up the ladder winning 12 games and finishing second in league play, while earning All-Conference honors. Hartwell’s junior season, the team won 16 games, finished second in the conference, and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. Hartwell again earned All-Conference honors and was selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Region team. Hartwell saved his best for last as the 2004 Gusties won the MIAC championship with a record of 8-1-1 and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships finishing the year with a mark of 18-2-3. He was named MIAC Player of the Year, NSCAA All-Region, and First Team All-America after anchoring a Gustie defense that allowed just four goals in 23 games. He played every minute of every game, recording five goals and two assists for 12 points. The Apple Valley, Minn. native orchestrated a Gustavus defense that shut out 19 opponents and led NCAA Division III in team goals against average (0.17) and team shutout percentage (0.83).
Hartwell started 75-of-77 games throughout his career, tallying eight goals and six assists for 22 points, including two game-winning goals. Hartwell’s final collegiate accolade was being named the 2004-05 Gustavus Male Athlete of the Year.
After graduating in 2005 with majors in international management and Spanish, Hartwell stayed at the College as an assistant coach for four seasons. Since 2011, Hartwell has been the assistant coach at Carleton College. He is also a youth coach for the Dakota REV Soccer Club and Minnesota Thunder Academy. Joe lives in Rosemount, Minn. with his wife Jessica and their dog, Izzy.
