Pennsauken’s Vliet Inducted Into SJU Men’s Soccer Hall Of Fame
Pennsauken native Sean Vliet, a member of Saint Joseph University’s graduating class of 1996, was enshrined in the Saint Joseph’s University Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame at halftime of the Hawks’ game against Duquesne on Saturday, October 22.
“I am very appreciative of this honor from St. Joseph’s University,” says Vliet. “Growing up in Pennsauken, I was fortunate enough to play along with great athletes and play for many notable coaches, not just in soccer, but in other sports as well. Pennsauken has a very good history with producing soccer players and coaches. Even today, it is nice seeing so many quality high school coaches who grew up in this town.”
Pennsauken native Sean Vliet was enshrined in the Saint Joseph’s University Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame last month. Vliet was arguably the top goalkeeper in Hawk history, setting single-season and career records for saves during his four seasons. Photo credit: SJU Athletics.
Arguably the top goalkeeper in Hawk history, Vliet was stellar in net for the Crimson and Gray, setting single-season (149) and career (530) records for saves during his four seasons. Emerging as a starter midway through his freshmen year, he garnered All-Atlantic 10 recognition three times (First Team – 1994, Second Team – 1992, 1993) and was a two-time Soccer Seven All-Star (1993, 1995). Ranking second on SJU’s all-time list with 21 career shutouts, he helped the Hawks post back-to-back 10 win seasons, while advancing to the Atlantic 10 Championship in both 1993 and 1994. He received the Class of 1950 Award, as SJU’s top graduating senior athlete, in 1996. Since graduating from Hawk Hill, he has had an extensive career as an executive in the oil industry as well as a restaurateur.
In 1993, Vliet teamed up with John McIntyre, one of the most dynamic offensive players in SJU history and fellow Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, to lead the Hawks to one of the best single seasons in program history. That year, SJU set a school record with 12 wins, captured their first-ever Soccer Seven title and qualified for the A-10 Championship for the first time, advancing to the conference title game.
