New York Red Bulls defender Steve Jolley announced his retirement from professional soccer Friday, ending his 10-year sporting career to move into the world of finance.
In a letter posted on the Red Bulls' official Web site, NYRedBulls.com, Jolley said he will soon enroll in graduate school at Columbia University and that he has accepted a position with the investment firm Merrill Lynch's Global Private Client division in New York.
"The lines of player, confidante, marketer, union leader and coach have always been blurred for me since the day I entered professional sports," Jolley wrote. "I have tried to take an objective perspective of my life on and off the field.
"With recent opportunities, I know now it's time to leave the field and take the appropriate steps to continue my journey. I am eager and excited to round out my education by expanding my knowledge of the business and financial world, and develop the skills necessary to stand up and thrive in a new arena."
Jolley was taken with the ninth overall selection in the 1997 MLS College Draft by the Los Angeles Galaxy after completing his college career at William and Mary. He played in just 12 games in his rookie season due to a season-ending knee injury in June but was a regular for the Galaxy for the next two years before being traded to the then-MetroStars at the start of the 2000 campaign.
Jolley served two stints with the New York club, playing for the Metros from 2000-03 and then rejoining the club after its renaming this past season. In 2004, the Metros traded Jolley to the then-Dallas Burn; after one season as a regular center back for the Texas club, Jolley saw his playing time decrease the next year with the rechristened FC Dallas. He was traded back to the Red Bulls last winter.
In 2001, Jolley was selected for his only All-Star Game, playing 45 minutes in the Eastern Conference's 6-6 draw with the West.
"For the last 10 years in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, I have lived a blessed life where everyday I've been able to perform my life's passion," Jolley said. "Soccer has been, and will always be, dear to me for the life lessons it has taught me."
In addition to his exploits on the field, Jolley has been known for giving back to the community. In 2002, he and his wife Pilar founded the Just Jolley Charitable Foundation to support America SCORES, a soccer and writing program in U.S. urban areas. That year, Jolley was named the MLS Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts. Also, in Dec. 2001, Jolley and his wife raised $11,000 for two families affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
"I've lived my professional life supported by a family who encouraged and challenged me to become the best person I could be," Jolley said. "I've had coaches who reinforced in me the desire to achieve my goals both on and off the field. And I have a wife who awes me with her selflessness and grace."
Jolley retires having played 120 games for the Red Bulls, the third highest total in team history.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
