University of Tennessee Athletics
Kirt Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2030
November 24, 2025 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White announced Monday that Lady Vols soccer head coach Joe Kirt has agreed to a contract extension through the 2030 season.
Kirt, a mainstay on the Tennessee sideline since 2007, was named UT's soccer head coach on April 29, 2022.
During his 19 seasons on Rocky Top, Kirt has helped guide the Lady Vols to two SEC Tournament championships, three SEC Eastern Division championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Joe has established an exceptional culture and has positioned our soccer program to continue its pursuit of championships," said White. "Given our success both on and off the pitch under his remarkable leadership, we are thrilled for him to continue leading our soccer program here on Rocky Top!"
The Lady Vols finished the 2025 campaign with a 12-4-3 record overall, including a 7-1-1 mark on their home field. UT was ranked in the top 25 for the entirety of the season, ascending to No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time in program history on Sept. 9 and spending a majority of the year inside the top 5.
"Extremely grateful to Danny for giving me the opportunity to lead this incredible program three years ago," Kirt said. "His continued belief in me, along with his investment in our team and staff, has provided us with the resources to be one of the premier women's soccer programs in the country. I'm incredibly proud of our players and staff—their commitment and investment in this program allowed us to reach new heights this fall. We will continue to improve and build upon that success as we compete for championships at both the conference and national level here at Tennessee."
Kirt recently announced eight additions to the program's 2026 signing class, which is ranked No. 6 nationally and second in the Southeastern Conference by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
Kirt, a mainstay on the Tennessee sideline since 2007, was named UT's soccer head coach on April 29, 2022.
During his 19 seasons on Rocky Top, Kirt has helped guide the Lady Vols to two SEC Tournament championships, three SEC Eastern Division championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Joe has established an exceptional culture and has positioned our soccer program to continue its pursuit of championships," said White. "Given our success both on and off the pitch under his remarkable leadership, we are thrilled for him to continue leading our soccer program here on Rocky Top!"
The Lady Vols finished the 2025 campaign with a 12-4-3 record overall, including a 7-1-1 mark on their home field. UT was ranked in the top 25 for the entirety of the season, ascending to No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time in program history on Sept. 9 and spending a majority of the year inside the top 5.
"Extremely grateful to Danny for giving me the opportunity to lead this incredible program three years ago," Kirt said. "His continued belief in me, along with his investment in our team and staff, has provided us with the resources to be one of the premier women's soccer programs in the country. I'm incredibly proud of our players and staff—their commitment and investment in this program allowed us to reach new heights this fall. We will continue to improve and build upon that success as we compete for championships at both the conference and national level here at Tennessee."
Kirt recently announced eight additions to the program's 2026 signing class, which is ranked No. 6 nationally and second in the Southeastern Conference by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
SOC | Postgame Press Conference (11.14.25 vs. North Carolina)
Saturday, November 15
SOC | Joe Kirt Media Availability (11.11.25)
Tuesday, November 11
SOC | Cayden Norris Feature
Tuesday, November 11
SOC | Joe Kirt Postgame vs. Alabama (10.26.25)
Sunday, October 26
