COLUMBUS, Ohio – Central Ohio native, Corey Kirk has been chosen as the next head coach of the Capital University men's soccer program as announced by Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr.

Kirk, who hails from nearby Pataskala, Ohio has cut his teeth in the coaching world through various stops in the area at the collegiate, high school and club levels. He will inherit a Capital program entering its 55th year of competition in 2024 having amassed nearly 400 wins. In 2023, Capital men's soccer finished 10-7-1 with a trip to the OAC tournament. 

"Becoming the next head coach of the Capital University men's soccer program is an exciting privilege for me both professionally and personally," said Kirk. "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."

"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," said Dr. Bailey. "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," continued Dr. Bailey.

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 coaches at Ohio Premier Soccer Club in Plain City, Ohio where he currently serves as the head coach of the U15 and U16 boys ECNL teams. 

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. 

Currently, Kirk resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his wife of 13 years, Lindsay, and his two daughters Lennon (8) and Harlow (6).