Thomas Kirk joined Rhodes College as an Assistant Coach in March 2022 and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in July 2024.
Before his tenure at Rhodes, Coach Kirk served as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Castleton University during the 2019 and 2020 seasons and continued as a full-time Assistant Coach for the 2021 season.
A distinguished alumnus of Castleton University, Kirk played four years for the Spartans, starting in all 80 games during his collegiate career. He was a team captain during his junior and senior years and earned the Defensive Player of the Year award in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) twice, a historic achievement as he remains the only player to have received this accolade on two occasions. Kirk holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with minors in Health and Coaching, and a Master's degree in Athletic Leadership, all from Castleton.
In the 2022 season, Kirk played a pivotal role in leading the Rhodes Lynx to a historic campaign. Under his guidance, the Lynx defense set national records for shutouts (11) and goals conceded (4 in 15 games). The team went undefeated in conference play, conceding only one goal, a record-breaking performance that secured them the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Regular Season Championship—their first in 24 years.
During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, as Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach, Kirk's efforts contributed to an impressive record of 21-4-9. Highlights from this period include:
- 2022: SAA Regular Season Champions and a record for the fewest goals conceded in regular season play (1 in 7 games). Eight players received All-Conference accolades as well as one earning Defensive Player of the Year.
- 2023: Reached the SAA Conference Tournament Finals for the first time, set a program record with 17 points in SAA League Play, and achieved top 10 national rankings for shutouts and fewest goals conceded. Coached the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and an Academic All-American in 2023. Recruited four first-year players who received All-Conference recognition.
Kirk’s post-playing career began at Castleton University, where he served as a Graduate Assistant for two seasons and then as a full-time Assistant Coach. His playing career at Castleton was marked by significant achievements, including three First-Team All-NAC selections, NAC All-Academic recognition, and being named Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive years (2016-17). He was instrumental in leading the Spartans to the 2017 NAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, which earned the team a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, Kirk was Castleton’s first All-New England Player, as recognized by the United Soccer Coaches.
