Sean Sullivan

Mr. Sean Sullivan has been a contributing member of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights (CH-UH) School District and Cleveland Heights community at large for more than 40 years. He has served as a student athlete, educator, coach, recreational advisory board member, 40 year Noble Neighbor community member and CH-UH advocate. Mr. Sullivan has dedicated his life and career to giving back to the District and Community that gave so much to him.

Career accomplishments

  • Inducted into Class of 2018 Heights High Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. One of only four CH-UH educators inducted into the Heights Hall of Fame in the history of the program since 1986, and the only active CHUH educator inducted.
  • Science and Engineering Specialist, Gearity School (26 years in the District). Mr Sullivan has served as the Science Lead at Oxford, Noble and Gearity. Each school had a jump in Science scores during his time there. Gearity had the highest Science scores of all the CH-UH elementary schools in 2019.
  • Keynote Speaker for CHUH 2018 Convocation Day for the entire district staff. Mr. Sullivan delivered the 20-minute speech of his life as he shared the unique impact that CH-UH has had on him as a former student through the entire Heights system, a 25-year educator and 40-year Heights community member.
  • STEM Online Science Instructor for Ashland University.  Mr. Sullivan taught three semesters of iDiscovery, a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to three cohorts of CH-UH educators. He received the highest marks for his innovative approaches to elementary Science.
  • Elementary Science Curriculum Writer for Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Mr. Sullivan was selected by the administration at the CMNH to design and write Science Labs for all of Northeast Ohio to align with the Smithsonian.  He has been featured in several of the Museum’s quarterly magazines and one showcase video. 
  • Cleveland Heights City Council Recreational Advisory Board volunteer member, 2008-2012. Raised more than $5,000 to sponsor community children and families to play sports.
  • Developed CHUH 2018-19 Pilot Science Program (BioCube) and Partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for all elementary schools.
  • Cleveland Heights Person of the Year 2012, Cleveland Heights Patch, for contributions to the City of Cleveland Heights
  • Partnership with Providence House and University Hospitals: collected more than 4,000 new stuffed teddy bears to donate to children in need. Recognized when he taught at Oxford with the Providence House Blue Ribbon Award.  
  • Ohio PTA District Educator of the Year 2003
  • Jennings Scholar: Recognizing Outstanding Ohio Teachers.Spring 1999-2000

“Heights Soccer is who I am, and Heights Soccer is who I will always be.” (Quote from Coach Sean Sullivan’s Keynote Convocation Speech to Entire CH-UH District, Aug. 17, 2018)

Coach Sean Sullivan is an exemplar of the high caliber of Heights Soccer alumni. As a high school senior, Sean wore #17 as a starting player (outside midfielder) and was one team’s leading scorers in 1987. That team was the only Heights Soccer team with a 20-game undefeated streak facing teams such as St. Ignatius, St. Ed’s, Strongsville and University, just to name a few.   Sullivan is one of many outstanding alums who are actively contributing to society and changing the world we live in. Mr. Sullivan has dedicated his life’s work to the CH-UH children and families through education and soccer. He is involved at every level of development for the children in the district.

Coach Sullivan directed his first Summer Soccer Camp at Roxboro Jr. High in 1994 and the camp thrived for seven years until he founded Heights United Soccer Academy (HUSA) in 2001. HUSA was created to showcase and strengthen the foundational soccer skills within our young soccer players as they prepare for the rigors of high school competition. Heights United has developed more than 2,500 soccer players and provided scholarships for more than 1,000 CH-UH student-athletes in the last 20 years.

Coach Sullivan served as the Director of Coaching for the Eastside Kickers and is currently the 17-year Director of Coaching for the Cleveland Heights Recreational Soccer Academy. He is a highly visible and respected educator and soccer coach and an advocate for the CH-UH District and Heights Soccer Program at all times.

Coach Sullivan was a Heights High Varsity soccer player 1985-87, an Assistant Coach for the Heights Boys Varsity Soccer team 1994-99, and excelled in the position of Head Coach from 2000 to 2014.  Coach Sullivan was recognized and the lone recipient of the State of Ohio’s highest coaching honor.  In his 24 years with the Heights Soccer program, Sean Sullivan has been part of more than 90 percent of their District Final appearances in the history of the Heights High School soccer program, (as a player, assistant coach and Head Coach). He has personally brought the Heights Soccer team to three District Final appearances during his tenure and mentored many players who have been recognized in the city, state and country, including 19 All Greater Cleveland 1st and 2nd Team players; two All Ohio players; two All Americans; and two pro players.

Coaching accomplishments

• Founder and Director of the Heights United Soccer Academy. Recognized at the city, district, regional and state level for serving thousands of soccer players in the Cleveland Heights soccer community over the last 25 years. Coach Sullivan has provided scholarships for more than 1,000 CH-UH students to play soccer.

  • Heights United Soccer Academy (HUSA) was recognized by Future Heights as a “Best of 2020” Business under the category of “Best Heights Vibe”, and “Best Community Conscious Business” in 2021
  • Head coach, Cleveland Heights High Boys Varsity Soccer, 2000-2014.  Most wins as a Heights High Head Varsity Soccer Coach. Led the team to their only three District Final appearances, 2000-2014.
  • Lone recipient of the highest coaching honor at the State Level (2012).  The Pinsenschaum Award recognizes one high school soccer coach each year and encompasses all divisions as well as all public, private and parochial schools in the State of Ohio.  This prestigious honor is considered the highest recognition a coach can receive and is voted on by all High School Soccer Coaches in the State. 
  • Founder and Director of the Heights United Soccer Academy. Recognized at the city, district, regional and state level for serving thousands of soccer players in the Cleveland Heights soccer community over the last 25 years.  Coach Sullivan has provided scholarships for over 1000 CH-UH students to play soccer.
  • Founder and Director of the Heights United Indoor Academy 2006 – present:  This program transitions recreation soccer players to the level of Travel Soccer (Eastside Kickers).  The past 3 years have been sellouts at every age level.  
  • Founder and Director of Heights United Tiger Cub Soccer.  2006 – present: This program is designed as an introduction to soccer for preschool soccer players and families.  This program also gives high visibility of the amazing HUSA Coaching Staff.
  • 3 years Lake Erie League Champions, 2012-2014.  6 Sectional Championships
  • 3 years Lake Erie League Coach of the Year, 2012-2014
  • All Greater Cleveland Team Sportsmanship, 2011
  • USSF National Coaching License and member of National Soccer Coaches Association of America
  • Director of Coaching and Soccer Skills for the Cleveland Heights Recreation Soccer Academy 2004- present : Responsible for restructuring the entire program resulting in a significant increase in numbers.  
  • Director of Coaching and Skills for the Eastside Kickers Soccer Club.2005-08
  • Cleveland Heights High School Varsity Track Distance Running Coach.Spring 2004
  • Cleveland Heights High School Varsity Lacrosse Conditioning Coach.Spring 2003
  • Winter 1996-2003: Founded ACES–Athletes Choosing Excellence in School. Heights students volunteer their time after school to tutor and mentor Oxford Elementary School students.

Personal background

  • Cleveland Heights resident for more than 40 years.
  • Product of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district, attending Noble, Monticello and Heights High (class of 1988).
  • 5 time Marathon runner.  3 Cleveland, 2 NYC