What They're Saying About Head Coach Joe Kirt
DANNY WHITE
VICE CHANCELLOR/DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
DR. DANIEL J. WHITE, VICE CHANCELLOR/DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
"When I met with the student-athletes in our soccer program earlier this week, I asked what characteristics they valued in their next head coach. They talked about a leader who cares about their development beyond just athletics, someone who promotes a family-oriented culture, someone who empowers them to be themselves genuinely and someone who not only listens but truly hears.
"After examining several quality candidates, it became increasingly apparent that we already had the perfect fit right here in current associate head coach
Joe Kirt.
"Joe has been an integral part of building Tennessee soccer into a championship-caliber program, and we're going to support it at a level that matches those championship ambitions. We can't wait to watch Tennessee soccer rise to new heights and compete for SEC and NCAA titles under Joe's leadership."
ANGELA KELLY
CURRENT TEXAS WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH
ANGELA KELLY, CURRENT TEXAS WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH
"What an exciting time for
Joe Kirt and the Tennessee soccer program. Joe has been in Knoxville, and a mainstay of the Tennessee soccer program, for 15-plus years now. There is no doubt that he will hit the ground running as the new head coach of the Lady Vols. I wish Joe and his family all the very best on his new position."
BECKY BURLEIGH
FORMER UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HEAD COACH
BECKY BURLEIGH, FORMER UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HEAD COACH
"Great hire! Joe is an incredible ambassador for the game with a great mix of competitiveness and culture."
G GUERRIERI
CURRENT TEXAS A&M WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH
G GUERRIERI, TEXAS A&M WOMEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH
"Joe is a great guy and has been loyal to the Vol program for a long time, so it's really nice to see the administration put their trust in him to keep the program on a positive trajectory."
HANNAH WILKINSON
FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER | NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL TEAM
3x OLYMPIAN | 3x WORLD CUP PARTICIPANT
HANNAH WILKINSON, FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER | NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL TEAM
"Joe is a terrific coach and an amazing person. He deserves this role—big congrats to him. I can't wait to see him lead this team."
KATIE COUSINS
FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER
CURRENT ANGEL CITY FC MIDFIELDER
KATIE COUSINS, FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER | ANGEL CITY FC
"I'm extremely happy and excited to hear about
Joe Kirtbecoming the head coach at Tennessee. He is going to continue the success they've been having the last couple of years. He cares a lot about his players on and off the field and the type of people they are becoming. I'd say I'm worried about this new job giving him grey hairs at his age, but we all know he already has a full head of grey hair, so I guess here come the wrinkles."
SHAE YANEZ
FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER
LONDON CITY LIONESSES
SHAE YANEZ, FORMER TENNESSEE PLAYER | LONDON CITY LIONESSES
"
Joe Kirt is one of the kindest, most dedicated and professional human beings that I've ever met in my life. He always puts the person before the player, and that's not something that is often seen, especially in the college game. Joe was always willing to go above and beyond to help me become the best player I can be. He always made himself available to help me, whether that be with video analysis and going over clips, individual sessions, or even a genuine conversation if I was struggling with something on or off the pitch. I'm so happy for Joe, and I cannot wait to see what he achieves as a head coach at Tennessee."
ABBEY BURDETTE
CURRENT TENNESSEE MIDFIELDER
ABBEY BURDETTE, CURRENT TENNESSEE MIDFIELDER
"I am so extremely happy for Joe and his family. As a team we were extremely passionate about Joe stepping into this role. Joe is truly a leader who not only wants his players to grow as soccer players, but also wants us to grow as individuals. Joe's ability to connect with players on a personal level will inspire this program to continue to grow. He has been a critical part of the culture we have built here. I cannot wait for what the future holds and am so excited to get started with Joe as our head coach."
LINDSEY ROMIG
CURRENT TENNESSEE GOALKEEPER
LINDSEY ROMIG, CURRENT TENNESSEE GOALKEEPER
"We were all just ecstatic (when we learned Joe was the new head coach). There were a lot of happy tears of joy. Joe has worked so hard for us, to provide everything we need as players and teammates. Joe will do anything for us. We pushed really hard to get him (selected as head coach). He brings so much to our team, and we're really excited. He deserves this."
LAWSON RENIE
CURRENT TENNESSEE DEFENDER
LAWSON RENIE, CURRENT TENNESSEE DEFENDER
"Joe means so much to our team, and he is so deserving of this position. It's clear how passionate he is for our program and the University of Tennessee. Joe's genuine interest in both our development and our lives creates an amazing environment for the players. I'm so grateful for the search conducted by our athletic department, and I'm excited about the direction of our program. I can't wait to continue playing for Joe and Jon (Morgan) this fall."