Sacred Heart鈥檚 Robert Tullonge attributes success to improved self-confidence
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (BVM) — There is no underestimating the impact of self-confidence and what it can do for an individual. Athletes are no different. On and off the field, the belief that they have in themselves is probably one of their greatest assets. That skillset is something that Sacred Hearts University soccer player Robert Tullonge has been able to master.聽
The 19-year-old midfielder from Hamden, Connecticut didn鈥檛 initially have a love for the sport of soccer as a child. He was more interested in activities such as playing video games and basketball. It wasn鈥檛 until Tullonge was 10-years-old when he started playing with friends and family and truly gravitated to the sport. The young Tullonge would go on to develop his skills in recreational and club leagues for a few years, before moving on to Hopkins School where he played high school soccer.
Tullonge played during his freshman year before taking a hiatus for two years to focus on his college pursuits. He returned in his senior year and wouldn鈥檛 disappoint. The senior midfielder registered 10 goals and 13 assists across the 16 games season.
His most memorable high school game was one against the Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut where he came off the bench and scored within the final 10 minutes to give his team the lead. Unfortunately, the opponents scored again within the final five minutes to end the game on a 2-2 draw.聽
鈥淚t felt like a win because we played well as a collective group,鈥� Tullonge said when describing that game.聽聽
Looking back on his young career, Tullonge noted that his greatest challenge was with his self-confidence.聽
鈥淚 had to overcome a lot of self-doubt because of negative attitudes towards me,鈥� Tullonge said. 鈥淎 coach told me I would never play the position that I do and another [even] told me I鈥檇 never play in college, and that kind of stuck with me.鈥澛�
The negative feedback from the coaches did have an effect on Tullonge鈥檚 confidence, however, the Hamden native said that he overcame that negativity by leaning on his family as a 鈥榮upport system鈥� and by moving away from where doubt was.聽
鈥淚 felt like it was worth it in the end,鈥� Tullonge said when asked about how his choices improved his self-confidence. 鈥淚鈥檓 happy with the decisions made because I feel like it made me a better person and player overall.鈥�
Though losing his first season at Sacred Heart due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tullonge鈥檚 goals for the next season include; having more time on the field, contributing to the team鈥檚 attacking scheme, and helping to form a brotherhood amongst his teammates. Tullonge will be in action with the Pioneers this upcoming fall.
