Joe Kirt Formally Introduced as Head Coach of Tennessee Soccer

Joe Kirt was formally introduced as head coach of Tennessee Soccer during a press conference on Monday, May 2.

Kirt, who has been a member of the Lady Vols' coaching staff since 2007, was promoted to head coach on Friday, April 29. During his 15 seasons on Rocky Top, Kirt has helped guide the Lady Vols to two SEC Tournament championships, two SEC Eastern Division championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. As an assistant at Tennessee, Kirt played vital roles in goalkeeper development, technical and functional development for field players as well as constructing and implementing the program's game model.

Press Conference Transcript

Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White

"Appreciate you guys being here today. My first comment will be about this team. This is an incredibly impressive group of young ladies. As I do with every single search, my first meeting was with this group and the leadership council they voted on. (I) took a lot from that. It had to be a zoom because I was out of town in meetings, but I really learned a lot during that conversation on Monday. So, it's been a quick transition. We knew we needed to move quick. It's a bit of an unorthodox time in this sport to be going through a coaching transition, and we knew we had a championship-caliber team with a loaded roster, and from what they tell me, have every expectation to compete for more championships this fall. Before I move forward, I do want to thank Brian and Abby Pensky for everything they've done for this university and how they poured themselves into this program. Obviously, this is not a rebuild. This is not a restart. This is a how do we continue to move forward and take it to even bigger and better heights? So, a little bit of a nuanced search in that way. Leaving that meeting with our team on Monday, we spent a lot of hours over a few days just assessing the national market, talking to some of the best minds in college soccer across the country. I've always done that in every search. I like to take pride in learning what I don't know. So, I learned from our student-athletes about soccer, and I learned from some of the most successful coaches in the country. There was a ton of interest in this job. People see the energy that is going on here at Rocky Top, the aspirations we have for our programs, every single one of them. They know about how talented our team is. So, we had so much interest, which is exciting. It gave us a ton of opportunities to sort through. As we went through that process though, we realized that the best leader for this team, for this upcoming season and for the long haul, was already on our campus.

"It was one of my more enjoyable professional experiences, toying with you guys (the student-athletes) a little bit. I was trying to make you believe that we made an external hire - was I successful in that? Okay, good. That was for my own enjoyment. I apologize; I had to do it. When we announced to the team on Friday, that was a lot of fun. Just seeing your reactions, it was a major affirmation that we made the right choice. This is a great program with a great culture, and we're going to continue to support that at a really high level. So, I'm going to stop talking, and get to the man of the hour, your new head soccer coach, Joe Kirt."

Tennessee Head Coach Joe Kirt

Opening Statement…
"Good morning. It's great to be standing in front of you guys today. Thank you to Danny White, Cam Walker and Tara Brooks for their trust in me and the opportunity to lead this program forward. Danny's vision and commitment to this department is tangible, expecting comprehensive excellence from all of us. He is passionate about our student-athlete's success and winning at the highest level of collegiate athletics. I have the same goals and aspirations for our soccer program. Danny has given our program, and all of our sports programs here at Tennessee, the resources we need to succeed at that level. Thank you for that.

"To my wife Susan, my rock, for whom I will be forever grateful for your endless love, support and strength. Never standing in the way of my career, my passion for coaching. Selflessly keeping our family together and creating memories for our boys even when I'm not always physically there to support you. She keeps me grounded and focused. She keeps me positive. Without her never-ending support, I wouldn't be standing in front of all of you today. Our boys, Landon and Luke, who are constant reminders of two very important P's in life. Patience, usually testing mine daily; and perspective, that at the end of the day life isn't all about wins and losses.

"Thank you to Ange Kelly for bringing me to Tennessee and exposing me to all the little things that contribute to winning. And to Brian Pensky, 10 years ago for believing in me and providing me an opportunity to grow under his leadership.

"Tennessee is undoubtedly a special place. I am both honored and humbled to represent the Lady Vols and Volunteers. Joan Cronan and Pat Summitt, who along with so many exceptional staff and athletes, built the Lady Vol brand into an internationally respected entity. They set the bar for competitive excellence at this institution long before I stepped onto campus in 2007. That responsibility now falls on my shoulders, upholding past expectations and to help set a new standard of excellence under Danny's leadership. Tennessee has a long-standing tradition of winning. That tradition was instilled in me early on in my career here. Our offices used to be in Thompson-Boling Arena, where we shared a suite with women's basketball.  The last thing I wanted to deal with on a Monday morning was Pat Summitt popping her head in my office and asking, 'Coach, what happened out there this weekend?' You learn very quickly that conversation isn't one you want to look forward to having and winning takes on a whole new meaning after a couple of those chats.

"We are committed to keeping Tennessee soccer at the top of our league and positioning ourselves to compete for a National Championship. Looking across all of our sports programs, it's an amazing time to be a part of Tennessee Athletics. All of our programs are performing at an incredibly high level. It truly is a great time to be a Tennessee Vol.

"Our alumni have an unbelievable passion for the University of Tennessee and this soccer program; their support is truly astonishing. All of our former players have given so much of themselves to their respective teams and to this university. We will continue to do right by them, ensuring they are proud of the current team who follow in their footsteps. Building on the successes of all those who have worn the Lady Vol logo before them.

"Our fans speak for themselves. The atmosphere they create at all of our venues generate a massive home-field advantage for our athletes. Their presence at Regal Stadium is no different for our players.  They love playing at home. The administration has approved a new playing surface for the fall, and we are looking into a few additional ways to enhance the fan experience at Regal Stadium. Vol Nation, we need your support at Regal this fall, so come out and see these guys compete.

"Over the last five years, we have set numerous program records, securing two SEC East division titles, an SEC Tournament Championship along with Sweet 16 and Elite 8 NCAA Tournament appearances. Two words have great significance in attaining those achievements. Jonathan Morgan. Jon will be our Associate Head Coach. Before getting into what he means to this program I would be remiss not to mention that he and Emily welcomed their daughter, Greer, to the world five days ago. Congratulations to you, Emily, Greer and the entire Morgan/Jacobssen family. Jon is a vital component of this team's success on and off the field. His level of dedication to our players is unmatched. Jon's ability to create new, competitive environments in training, his technical and tactical expertise, his intuitiveness and feel for our team; what they need to excel, always seeking new and better ways for our players and team to achieve greatness. He is a consummate professional who cares endlessly for our players, inspiring them to accomplish more than even they thought possible. Our team's love and respect for Jon is unquestioned. No more evident than the reception he received from them this morning in this very room. I've been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Jon for six years and will lean on him heavily as we move forward. Thank you.

"Dr. Hemant Sharma, a fixture in this program since before I arrived on Rocky Top. Hemant has always been an important resource for staff and players alike and will continue to be that moving forward. His ideas and interpretations always provide a different perspective than what appears on the surface. Ryan Metzger, Greg Mytyk, Katie Shields, Vanessage Gonzalez and all of our support staff, Tess. What you guys bring and the support you give to our players is unquestioned and gives them everything thing they need to succeed on and off the field.

"Lastly and most importantly is our team. They are what makes Tennessee soccer so incredibly special. A truly amazing group of young women who deserve our very best each and every day. Our culture is uniquely special, they love and support one another in everything they do. It is our job to continue cultivating an environment where our players are allowed to let their individual brilliance shine, feeling secure in their actions and decisions without apprehension or fear of retribution from their teammates or coaches. Playing freely, playing fast, connected with one another. Their love for, and understanding of each another, is truly remarkable. I've had the opportunity to be a part of some very close and very successful teams here at the University of Tennessee. This group sitting in front of me takes it to a whole new level. Encouraging, leading one another, striving for greatness all the while enjoying the journey together.

"They have shared some memorable moments, securing back-to-back SEC East Championships at Regal Stadium, celebrating an SEC Tournament Championship in Orange Beach and all the fun they've had on the practice field in between. They love to compete in everything they do, their competitiveness shines through during soccer tennis on gameday. We could not be more excited for this team and what lies ahead for our returning group and our incoming players. Returning 10 starters from last year, we add the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the country to this already talented and deep team. We set the bar pretty high in 2021. We need to raise that bar even higher this fall. It's a new season come August. A new group. There is no ceiling for this group, time to create new memories and win new championships!

"This fall you will find a passionate, hungry and relentless Tennessee soccer team. Playing on the front foot, pressing and taking the game to our opponents. There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of Tennessee soccer. Thank you."

On his reaction to the team's reaction when Danny White announced him as head coach…
"Just sheer joy. We talk about how special they are and how much they make this so enjoyable and rewarding. To be able to continue that with these guys, I could not ask for anything more. The happiness, satisfaction, and belief in me and what we are doing and spending it with them has truly been an amazing experience for me, even in my 20 years of coaching. They are an amazing group, and they hear it all the time and are tired of us telling them, but it really is a special group. They make everyone who touches this team feel that same way. It is hard to put into words, but I think that video does it justice."

On how rewarding it is to be put into this position following being with the program for 15 years…
"I think, at the end of the day, we all get into coaching for different reasons. My reason has always been to help our student athletes achieve their goals and aspirations. It has never been about a title or anything like that. It is an opportunity and a platform for me to help our athletes - past, current and future - achieve anything possible for them. At the end of the day, I am able to continue doing that at a place that I love with a group of individuals I love. I could not be happier and more excited for what is to come."

On the moment he found out from Danny White that he was getting a promotion…
"So many emotions. That is such a great question. Honestly, it came back to these guys and being able to continue to do what I love to do with a group of individuals I love to do it with. I'm so fortunate that Danny, as he mentioned is no different of a search than with Coach Heupel, leaned on our student-athletes for their voice and really listened. He gave me an opportunity to lay out my vision, and for that I cannot thank him enough for giving me that opportunity. It was something that a week ago I had no idea where we were going to be or what we were going to do. It has been such an amazing process, and I am so fortunate to be in a program led by Danny and his staff. They have been amazing and have already in such a short time done so many things for the benefit of our student-athletes. I cannot wait to see what is coming up."

On what type of style will he play and if it will be similar to the play under Pensky…
"We have been successful with what we have done. And these guys, as I said at the end of my remarks, these guys want to go after teams. We are going to make life difficult for teams. We are going to let you guys go and do what makes you great. We do not want to sit back. We learned a lot about ourselves this fall in a couple of games. We are going to continue to tweak things, but the personality of this team, we are going to let that shine through. We are going to get after teams and make it uncomfortable for them and keep scoring a ton of goals. So, you guys get ready to do that."

On how excited he is about the continued growth of soccer…
"I think it is great that you have a professional team coming in with One Knox this year helping to continue to grow the game. Obviously, the awareness of the game that these guys (the team) have provided for this community has been great. You guys (television stations) being able to bring the world's best teams to Knoxville on TV is also helpful with gaining and growing the interest in our game. I think (the future) is bright, and continuing to get Vol Nation to come out and support these guys and to make soccer or the other football a bigger part of their lives."

On hosting an event for the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee…
"Anytime we have an opportunity to go serve in our community and provide an experience that is rewarding for all parties involved helps bring perspective to what these guys do. At the end of the day, what really matters is impacting people's lives. These guys had the ability to do that yesterday. I felt that it was important to stay true to myself and be here with them and do that. At the end of the day, it is about people and those relationships. I thought it was the right way for me to start my tenure here to be there with these guys and spend time in the community."

On the biggest changes in himself from 2007 to now…
"I think listening to our players and making sure that they have an environment to grow. An environment where they are able to make mistakes, feel secure in their role, and learn why we are doing something and do it together. As a young coach, starting out, it is about X's and O's. I have learned over time that it is about investment, buy-in, understanding, and strength in our team and their relationships. That has been the biggest thing. We are always going to seek out new and better ways to help them be successful at their craft. The bond, connection, and comfort that they feel in this environment, where they are not scared or tentative, is going to allow us and them to have all kinds of success."

On returning almost everyone from last year and how important it is to have that stability…
"I could not have asked for a better experience to walk into. Knowing these guys as well as I do, and they with me, all of that energy it takes to develop and cultivate those relationships, we don't have to spend. We are on the same page of who we are and what we are going for, and we will continue to redefine that message for you guys. That, inherently, takes time. We can spend our time doing other things straight away. There is not a better situation, for me personally than what is sitting in front of us right now."

On what is most important to him in filling out the rest of the coaching staff…
"Exactly what Danny (White) did, we are going to talk to these guys. Like we just said, they know Jon (Morgan) and I, and Hemant (Sharma). We'll hear what they need that maybe we aren't doing a good job of providing, so we want to hear that, first and foremost. Jon and I, we have got to sit down and figure out what we need to make sure that we are providing everything we need for them. So, I think it is a work in progress, we have some names right now. We will do what is in the best interest of these guys, and what we need to complement our staff."

On how his roles will change on a day-to-day basis…
"My role is going to change, and it goes along the same line as the coaching search, I think. It's us sitting down and figuring out how we can work best together with whoever that new staff member is to make sure we are touching everything these guys need. The goalkeepers, and the backs, is a part of what I have done and that will continue to be the case. Exactly how that looks in August, we've got to work through that and see. We have some options. I got to spend a decent amount of time this spring with our forwards and midfielders scoring some goals, so we would like to continue doing that as well. We will see what that looks like. We haven't gone into the details of exactly how we are going to approach that."

On having the No. 6 recruiting class and his approach to recruiting…
"I think it's all about relationships and making sure it's a great fit here. Obviously, they have to be talented. We need talented players here to help us win championships, but they need to be the right type of person that is going to help continue to grow and improve this group and fit in. Part of what our success was in the fall is because of these guys and their relationships. Going forward it's about bringing in the right individuals that are motivated, that want to win championships, and what to have a great time doing it. The only way you find that out is by sitting down and talking and having conversations about what values those players have for themselves so we can make sure it's a seamless transition when they get here."

On what makes him think he is the right person for the head coach position…
"It has all kind of been mentioned... knowing these ladies and this team and knowing this university and this league. There is no better opportunity for me to start this. And obviously, having Jon (Morgan) to do it with, he has been around the block and knows what it takes at this level. It all just fell together. There is no perfect plan. It worked out that this is it and now is the time. And I could not be more personally excited to go do this and go take this next step with the individuals in this room. It is funny how life has a way of working out, and it certainly did for me in this case."

On how his coaching style on the sideline…
"I don't see that changing a ton. If they need to hear me, they'll hear me. I think they're far more worried about me when I play than when I'm standing on the sideline. The competitive juices get going a little bit more when I'm playing. On the sideline, it's my job to be calm and help them make good decisions on the field. They can certainly hear me when appropriate, but we'll be alright on that front."

On where he thinks Tennessee is on the college soccer landscape right now…
"I think there's a lot of notoriety and notice on what we have accomplished here over the past few years, which is no accident. The group of players we have, coaches like Jon (Morgan), and Hemant (Sharma), so it's no surprise we're having the success we are. We're going to continue to thrust Tennessee onto the national map, and it's going to be where our thoughts are and our goals lie. We're ready to do it and continue building it as all the programs have done here. Where Tennessee is now and what (our administration) has provided, our program is amazing. It's wonderful to see; we're happy to be a part of it and contribute as well."

University of Tennessee Athletics

Joe Kirt Formally Introduced as Head Coach of Tennessee Soccer

Press Conference Transcript

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