In Loving Memory of Joseph Lee

Excellence - Dedication - Humility

Soccer was Joseph’s passion, and his journey started in first grade when he started recreational soccer with the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association (GLSA) in first grade. In second grade, he started travel soccer with GLSA. His eight years of training with GLSA paid off as Joseph went onto accomplish many things in his high school career, such as winning the USSDA National Championship with the Chicago Fire Academy team. He was also selected as an All-State player for the Vernon Hills High School team in 2015. He went onto play Division I soccer for Brown University where he played in 50 games.

Joseph would often find as many opportunities as he could to play in pick-up games or train with friends because he enjoyed it and knew it would help him develop as a player. He would spend time in the backyard by himself setting up cones and running drills to stay on top of his game. Although he was often very busy playing travel soccer, Joseph also continuously worked hard to maintain high grades. Most days, he could be found doing homework or studying in the morning before class, during lunch, or in between class periods since he knew he would be busy after school was out. Thanks to his hard work, Joseph became an Honors graduate and an Illinois State Scholar at Vernon Hills High School in 2016.

Although Joseph accomplished many things during his life, he never tried to make this known. He never sought to bring much attention to his own accomplishments, and instead loved spending time with others and seeing them succeed. His friends and family attest to how he would encourage, push, and celebrate a win of any kind. As much as he loved the game, he knew that life was more than just soccer. On and off the field, he knew he was a brother, son, and friend first - a soccer player second.