Joe Piacesi the “Italian Stallion” from Queen’s Grant High School signed a commitment letter to play college Soccer at Guilford College, Greensboro, North Carolina.  Joe will major in business administration and he plans to focus in the  field of international business management.  He has received an academic scholarship from the college due to his excellent academic standing.

As Captain of the QGHS varsity soccer team he led the Stallions to their best season in school history 18-5-2.  He scored 26 goals this past season, and holds the school record of 69 goals scored during his career.  He accumulated 58 points leading the team in all categories.  Joe was selected for the second time to the Uwharrie Athletic 1A Conference, All-Conference team, All-Region team, and All-State team in Division 1A Soccer as a first team selection.

Joe is a real speedster he is quick, agile, and explosive on the field.  He plays with utter abandon and is always in attack mode.  He is expecting to play the left-back position at Guilford for Coach Cory Speed.  His biggest challenge will be to compete against bigger athletes at the collegiate level.

Joe selected Guilford College because it was the best fit for him both academically and athletically.  The school is close to home, he is comfortable with the program and the coach made him feel wanted.  He had other college options, however, the environment at Guilford fits his personality and comfort zone.  “The coach has a clear vision of where he wants to take the program and explained how I can make a positive contribution,” said Joe.

Joe would like to thank QGHS Coach Mark Guercio who has been amazing in his development from his freshman year through his senior season.  “I personally appreciate coach Guercio’s leadership, guidance and direction in my development as a soccer player.  My biggest asset is my natural speed, however, Coach Guercio improved my game dramatically, especially with first touch, dribbling, passing, and better decision making on the field,” said the Stallion.

Also, Joe would like to thank his Dad who has been very supportive and helpful in guiding him emotionally and providing the extra push he needed to practice drills and exercises to build core body strength.  “A big thank you to my teammates who have always had my back, we are brothers like a family and I will miss their chatter and comradeship.”