In Andrew Tieso, Hotchkiss finds building block for the future

Andrew Tieso in goal for Hotchkiss. (Hotchkiss Athletics)

Hotchkiss coach Andrew D’Ambrosio had an inkling that Andrew Tieso would bring the Bearcats a strong presence in goal. But the Charlotte, Vt., native has provided far more than that to a program looking to return to prominence in the Founders League.

Tieso transferred in for 2018-19 from Champlain Valley Union, the premier high school program in Vermont, and has offered a championship pedigree to the back end.

“Something that we really wanted was to bring in guys like Andy,” D’Ambrosio said. “We’re trying to get back to a strong culture of winning. Andy brings a very even-keeled nature to our defense. He kind of calms everybody down. We wanted to bring in a goalie that was going to lower the temperature of our defense a little bit. He’s done a really good job with that. The guys have responded.”