Quinn Sullivan Continues his Family’s Legacy

Quinn Sullivan (center) reacts after scoring a goal on a bicycle kick during the Union’s game at the Chicago Fire. Photo by Andrew Zwarych / Philadelphia Union

Last week, The Philadelphia Inquirer used Quinn Sullivan’s first MLS goal, an amazing bicycle kick, tying it to the legacy his family has created in Philadelphia.

The article walks readers through the 50-year Sullivan legacy, starting with Quinn’s grandfather Larry, who played at Temple and coached for more than 30 years at several schools, including Villanova.

Quinn’s dad, Brendan, played soccer at St. Joseph’s Prep and Penn, and then played professionally for five years in the U.S. Following his pro career, Brendan coached at Villanova with his dad.

Quinn’s mom, Heike, captained the women’s soccer team at Penn.

“I keep telling people it’s just surreal, right? We’re a soccer family, but it’s just surreal to see him actually on the field,” Heike Sullivan said.

Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article here.

Pat Kivlehan to Represent U.S. at Olympics

Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union Tribune

Patrick Kivlehan, an outfielder in the San Diego Padres organization, will represent the United States in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as a member of the USA Baseball team.

Patrick, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. His MLB debut was on August 20, 2016, for the San Diego Padres.

“Pat takes great pride in his selection to the Olympic team. His work ethic and energy have culminated in achieving a lifelong dream in representing his country,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.

Kivlehan is originally from Nyack, New York, but attended St. Joseph’s High School in New Jersey. After graduating from St. Joseph’s in 2008, he played on both the football and baseball teams at Rutgers University. Football was his primary sport, playing four years as a defensive back. After his senior year on the football team, Patrick joined the baseball team and was named 2012 Big East Player of the Year, batting .392 with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 51 games.

“It’s a dream come true type of thing,” Kivlehan said to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Not something that baseball players normally get to experience, so when the opportunity presented itself, I certainly wasn’t going to pass that up.”

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23^rd.

IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.

IPZ Welcomes Brad Smith as its first Lacrosse Client

Photo retrieved from Duke University.

Brad Smith, a midfielder for the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has signed with IPZ.

“I’m excited to join the IPZ family, especially being their first lacrosse client,” said Smith. “I look forward to building my personal brand and the game of lacrosse!”

The PLL is a new lacrosse league that has grown in its short three-year existence, landing major sponsorship deals and merging with Major League Lacrosse in December, 2020. Smith is a rising star in his second year in the PLL and is looking to help the Whipsnakes win their third consecutive championship.

“Brad checks all the boxes…smart, personable, driven and a great athlete,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “He will be an asset for any brand.”

Before being drafted 9th overall in 2019, Smith played his college lacrosse at Duke University and for the New Jersey high-school powerhouse, Mountain Lakes. He was a three-time USILA All-American and two-time ALL-ACC member in college.

IPZ to Represent Ithiel Horton Under New NCAA NIL Rules

Photo retrieved from Pitt.

Ithiel Horton, a 6’3″ guard from the University of Pittsburgh, has signed with IPZ under the new NIL rules passed by the NCAA. Horton is currently a redshirt junior and played high school at Roselle Catholic in New Jersey.

As of July 1st, college athletes can profit from sponsorships without losing their eligibility. By signing Horton, Ithiel and IPZ are part of a pivotal moment in collegiate athlete history.

Horton attended the University of Delaware for his freshman year and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh after the 2018-19 season. In the 2020-21 season, Horton played in 22 games, starting in 18, and averaging 8.9 PPG.

The NCAA has changed its regulations to allow college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The new rules provide the opportunity for college athletes to sign with agents, which will allow them to sign sponsorships, partnerships and endorsement deals.

“We were fortunate to meet Ithiel and his dad through mutual friends,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “Ithiel is an amazing young man, who is going to be successful on and off the court.  We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

IPZ Forms Alliance with Playbook +

Playbook +, a St. Louis, MO based consultancy with expertise in sports marketing and advertising, has formed a strategic alliance with IPZ, the companies announced today.

Playbook +, led by John Sheehan, is an experienced and innovative marketing and advertising group with vast knowledge of the Sports, Media, and Entertainment landscapes.

“We are excited to further expand the partnership with IPZ that began a couple years ago. Together, we’ll be able to maximize opportunities for our clients,” said Playbook + Founder John Sheehan.

“We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with John over the past year or so through one of our St. Louis based clients and are really excited to now expand and formalize our partnership,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “John and his team’s expertise in the sports marketing and advertising space will help bolster our capabilities for our existing clients and expand reach. Together, we can take our client services to the next level.”