How Biagio Paoletta became a leader for Tufts

Tufts center back Biagio Paoletta controls the ball in the 2018 national title game. (Brian Westerholt/Sports On Film)

With the 2019 season underway, the men’s soccer program at Tufts University will find itself in a familiar spot. The Jumbos, for the third time since 2014, are defending a Division 3 national championship.

Eight of 11 starters from that group are back, too, led by the entire midfield and front three. But the Jumbos also have some holes to fill now that goalkeeper Conner Mieth, center back Jackson Najjar and right back Sterling Weatherbie (Port Elizabeth, Maine) have graduated. It’ll be a new puzzle, even if most of the pieces look familiar.

As the transition takes root, Tufts is bound to lean upon junior center back Biagio Paoletta (Fairfield, Conn.), a second-team All-NESCAC selection last fall.