For Springfield College men’s soccer senior Connor Policarpio, success has never been limited to what happens on the field.
Policarpio’s journey has been defined by a passion for improvement. Whether he’s setting the tone for his teammates or letting his performance lead by example, Policarpio has established himself as a top tier student athlete. After rediscovering his love for the game during a semester abroad, he returned to Springfield with a renewed motivation to make his senior season his best one yet.
Policarpio grew up in a family full of athletes, with both of his parents playing soccer. He participated in a variety of sports, including basketball and baseball, alongside soccer until his junior year at Bristol Eastern High School in Connecticut, when he discovered his true passion.
“I wanted to put all my time and effort into soccer,” said Policarpio. “I focused entirely on that my junior and senior year and I feel like that was the moment when I wanted to pursue it past high school.”
When deciding where to continue his soccer career, Policarpio chose to attend Springfield College after having great conversations with head coach Tommy Crabill and spending an overnight visit with the team in 2023. He instantly fell in love with not only the campus, but the strong sense of community the school fostered.
“They treated me like I had been one of their friends for a long time,” Policarpio stated. “I had a great experience with that so I decided this was the school for me.”
The sense of belonging that the soccer team portrayed helped Policarpio mold into both a great player and a fantastic student. With physical therapy being his study of focus, the commitment of playing Division III soccer in combination with the massive workload of a health science major doesn’t deter him at all, as the senior stays on top of his studies. A two time recipient of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District and NEWMAC Academic All-Conference honors, Policarpio is slated to claim those honors for a third straight year, maintaining great standing in the physical therapy program.
Policarpio’s experience at Springfield has also been influenced by on the field success, where he has developed into both an accomplished player and a respected teammate. His impact on the program is reflected in his individual accolades, including a United Soccer Coaches Division III All-Region II Second Team selection and NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team honors in 2024.
However, Policarpio’s journey has not been without its challenges. Like many college students, he has experienced the demands of balancing academics and athletics, contributing to burnout. For Policarpio, a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, provided a solution to his burnout and helped him reconnect with the game that had become such an important part of his life.
“It’s very soccer heavy and honestly a part of their daily life,” Policarpio explained. “You walk around the street and see people kicking a ball around and playing pickup games and stuff like that. It honestly reignited my love for the game, so after coming back I was very motivated to work hard all throughout the summer, get in great shape, and get a lot of touches on the ball to make senior year my best year.”
The trip abroad proved to be a turning point, as Policarpio has been filled with a renewed enjoyment for the sport, leading to his play being nothing short of exceptional. So far in the 2026 season, he leads the team in goals with six, four assists, and 16 total points. Through his production he has helped set the standard for his teammates, giving them confidence and providing a steady presence in key moments.
As one of four seniors on the team, leadership responsibilities come as part of the gig for Policarpio. Along with the other three seniors on the squad, they take great responsibility in being a leader, setting the groundwork for the younger players. The leadership role comes second nature to him, leading him to be voted captain by his peers.
“We’re a very young team, so for a lot of the guys it’s a new experience playing a lot of minutes. I’m trying to do whatever I can in the locker room and on the field to help support them and help them feel confident to play their best,” added Policarpio.
As Policarpio approaches the final stretch of his collegiate soccer career, his story tells more than goals and assists. It tells a story of finding purpose, embracing new experiences, and supporting those closest to him. From Barcelona, all the way to Brock-Affleck Field where he leads as captain, Policarpio has shown that growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and attacking problems head on. With his final season serving as an opportunity to leave a lasting impact, he remains focused on helping his team succeed the best way he possibly can.