Matt Burke Position: Director of Soccer Operations Experience: Second Season

The Maryland men's soccer program and head coach Sasho Cirovski announced the hiring of Matt Burke as Director of Soccer Operations, effective Jan. 21, 2010.

Burke comes to Maryland after serving as the team coordinator for the U-17 National Team and Residency Program since July 2007. Burke's duties included arranging travel, lodging, and meals for the U-17 squad's national and international competition. Burke was also hands-on during practices and during matches, assisting coaches and players on a daily basis while facilitating all administrative logistics with parents and coaches.

"I cannot even put into words how thrilled I am to join the excellent staff at the University of Maryland," Burke said. "I know firsthand the caliber of program that Coach Cirovski has established in College Park, and I am looking forward to helping continue that tradition of excellence.

"I have been fortunate enough to be a part of highly successful programs throughout my collegiate and post-graduate career, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish here at the University of Maryland in the future."

Prior to working with the U.S. Soccer Federation, Burke was a team manager for Indiana University's men's soccer program, where he also double-majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice. As a team manager for the Hoosiers, Burke assumed administrative duties during travel for IU, including non-conference, Big Ten Conference and NCAA College Cup competition. In addition, he directed the preparation of the soccer stadium before home games in Bloomington. Burke also assisted with IU soccer camps for five summers.

As a player, Burke led Yorktown High School's soccer team to its first IHSAA Sectional Championship. Yorktown also won three conference titles during Burke's prep career.

"I am delighted to welcome Matt Burke to our staff as our Director of Soccer Operations," Cirovski said. "Matt is a bright and enthusiastic young man that will add great value to our program.

"We have committed to fundraising for this position because we see great value in the multi-tasks and responsibilities that Matt will perform to help our program reach our lofty goals. We have many initiatives that we have wanted to carry out and having another quality person added to our staff will allow us the opportunity to see them through and grow our program."

Burke graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana in May of 2007. A native of Oxford, Ohio, Burke now resides in Bowie, Md.