Bio

Jim Van Kirk, a former recipient of the PSUAC (2018 and 2019) and USCAA Men's Soccer Coach of the year (2018), is entering his eleventh year as the Head Men's Soccer Coach, but his eleventh season as a coach with the Athletic Department after coaching the women's soccer team for the 2012 season and coaching both teams in 2016.  

During the 2022 season, Coach Van Kirk and his team went 7-9-1 overall and 5-4 in confernce which was good enough to land them a spot in the PSUAC playoffs. Beaver fell short to Penn State Greater Allegheny during playoffs but they will continue to strive for improvements and hope to make it back to the National Championships after a hiatus year.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Beaver came back with steam. The team finished with a record of 13-7 overall and 7-3 in confernce. Beaver fell short in the Semi-Final PSUAC game but was still able to recieve a bid to the National Championship in Virginia Beach. Beaver went 1-1 at the Championships and looks to improve in future seasons!

Due to COVID-19 the Penn State Beaver Men's Soccer team were unable to compete during the 2020-2021 Season.

In 2018, Van Kirk and the Men's Soccer team finished 11-5 overall and 8-1 and the team made another title run, but fell short in the PSUAC Championship to rival Penn State Brandywine.  Last season an improvement from the 2017 season when they fell in the PSUAC quarterfinals to Penn State Hazleton. 

Continuing to develop the program is Van Kirk's primary focus as he plans to bring in 10+ freshman recruits again in 2019 with the goal of returning to the PSUAC Championship where they won in 2015 and have been a runner up three times (2019, 2018, 2013). 

In addition to their success on the field, the team also celebrated individual awards as two players were named USCAA Academic All-Americans, one player was named USCAA All-American, one player was name USCAA Goalie of the Week, one player was named PSUAC Player of the Year, one player was named PSUAC Newcomer of the Year, seven players were named PSUAC All-Conference, 17 players were named PSUAC All-Academic and two players were named PSUAC Players of the Week.

He holds an overall men's coaching record of 92-83-4 with a PSUAC record of 58-23-1. 

Van Kirk played at South Allegheny High School in McKeesport, PA. He was a four year letterman and two time All Section player for WPIAL.  He also played several years in Greater Pittsburgh Amateur Soccer League.  

Coach Van Kirk began his coaching career in 1997 at his alma mater, South Allegheny High School, coaching the girls program. In 2000 he was hired at Keystone Oaks High School as an assistant for the boys team.  Van Kirk was also the boy's head coach at West Mifflin Area High School for three years.    

Currently Coach VanKirk is a head coach for the Pittsburgh Football Club, which is a classic organization within Western Pennsylvania. Prior to joining PFC, Coach Van Kirk was with 3 Rivers Soccer Club.  Van Kirk is a member of National Soccer Coaches Association of America and currently holds a National level license with the NSCAA.

updated 8/7/2023