KIRK AT CAPITAL
Corey Kirk will enter his second year in charge of Capital men's soccer during the 2025 season.
In his first season with the Comets, Kirk guided the team to a 7-9-4 overall record but secured a 20th consecutive OAC tournament appearance, highlighted by a 1-0 upset win over John Carroll. Four players from the 2024 team earned all-conference honors, including second team all-region selection Jacob Deever. Deever also received All-Ohio and joined teammate Brennan Hesse as an Academic All-Ohio selection. Three players earned Academic All-District honors, with four student-athletes being named to the Fall Academic All-OAC awards.
BACKGROUND ON KIRK
Prior to Capital, Corey served as the head coach at fellow OAC institution Muskingum University for the 2023 season. Kirk took over a program in need of a boost and in just his first year in charge, he helped the team to an increase in wins and an increase in goals scored. At season’s end, Kirk mentored one All-Conference selection, three Academic All-OAC honorees and one CSC Academic All-District student-athlete.
Before taking over Muskingum’s program, Kirk held the role as Assistant Coach at Ohio Wesleyan University where he aided the program to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022. His efforts in assisting the program and legendary head coach Jay Martin were rewarded with being selected as the NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022. During his time with the Battling Bishops, Kirk helped develop two All-Americans, five All-Region selections and 12 All-NCAC honorees along with numerous academic award winners as well.
Kirk began his coaching career as the assistant coach and then head coach of Watkins Memorial High School where he was eventually named the Licking County League Coach of the Year in 2016.
After his time at his high school alma mater, Corey moved on to become the Associate Head Coach at New Albany High School where he was named the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association’s State Assistant Coach of the Year in his first year with the program. That season, New Albany advanced to the Division I OHSAA State Championship.
Additionally, Kirk works for Kings Hammer New Albany soccer club in a variety of coaching roles including coaching education and college placement services. Prior, Kirk served as an ECNL head coach for a Columbus-based soccer club.
As a collegiate soccer player himself, Kirk was a four-year starter and team captain for the nationally ranked men’s soccer team at Ohio Dominican University. He was also named a two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete. Corey graduated from ODU with a degree in Communication Studies in 2010 as a Magna Cum Laude graduate. In 2023, Kirk earned a Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences (Soccer Coaching Education) from Ohio University.
Currently, Kirk resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his wife of 15 years, Lindsay, and their two daughters Lennon (9) and Harlow (8).
QUOTEABLE
Corey Kirk on the opportunity to lead Capital Men's Soccer: “Becoming the next head coach of the Capital University men’s soccer program is an exciting privilege for me both professionally and personally. It is an honor to have the opportunity to add to the program’s strong standards of tradition and success on and off the field. I am thankful to Dr. Bailey, the search committee and the university for their faith in me to guide the team toward our goals and full potential.”
Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. on the hiring of Corey Kirk: “As our process started to unfold, it became clear to the search committee that Corey was becoming a good fit for us here at Capital. We believe that his familiarity with the conference, our university, and some of the players prepares him for this opportunity. Corey appears eager to lead this team and establish his mark here at Capital. I am confident in what Coach Kirk can bring to our men’s soccer program that has had its share of success and I believe he will capitalize on the positive momentum of this program."
KIRK'S RECORDS
|
|
OVR. |
CONF. |
|
| SEASON |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
% |
W-L-T |
% |
NOTES |
| 2023 |
Muskingum |
3-14-1 |
.194 |
1-8-0 |
.111 |
|
| Muskingum Totals (One Season) |
3-14-1 |
.194 |
1-8-0 |
.111 |
|
| 2024 |
Capital |
7-9-4 |
.417 |
5-3-1 |
.593 |
|
| Capital Totals (One Season) |
7-9-4 |
.417 |
5-3-1 |
.593 |
|
| CAREER TOTALS (TWO SEASONS) |
10-23-5 |
.329 |
6-11-1 |
.361 |
|
Last updated August 6th, 2025
