- "I made Virginia Wesleyan my No. 1 choice because of the comfort level and the close interactions of the current players when I took my official visit. In addition, the opportunity to play as a freshman and being close to the beach helped me make my decision."
- Selected VWC over the University of Mary Washington, Catholic University, Longwood University, and James Madison University
Career Highs
Saves: 11 – (Mary Washington – 9/8/13)
2014-15 ODAC All-Academic Team
Junior (2014): Started all 19 of Virginia Wesleyan’s matches as a junior… Accumulated 1795:02 minutes in goal… Saved a season-best 10 shots at Lynchburg on November 4 in the ODAC semifinals… Went 11-4-4 on the year… Posted five shutouts, including three in league play.
Sophomore (2013): Started 21 games in net for the Marlins as a sophomore… Saved 11 shots against Mary Washington on September 8… Best league effort came on October 13 when he finished off a 1-0 shutout of Washington and Lee University with nine saves… Five shutouts on the season.
First-Year (2012): Started in all eight of the games he played in as a first-year… Finished the year with 715:17 minutes spent between the pipes… Had seven saves in back-to-back contests against Marymount (Va.) and Shenandoah Universities… First career shutout came September 15 in the ODAC opener at Shenandoah.
Academic Accomplishments: Wesleyan Scholar… Four-time Dean's List honoree; Fall 2012 and 2013, Spring 2013 and 2014.
Before VWC: Competed in soccer, football and track and field for Westfield… All-Concorde District honorable mention honoree in soccer as a senior… Selected as Westfield's Most Valuable Player in soccer as a senior… Varsity soccer team captain… Second Team All-District honoree in football… Magna cum laude every quarter high school except one when he achieved summa cum laude recognition… Graduated with a 3.82 grade point average.
Personal: Son of Katherine and Joel Kirkham… Dad attended Penn State University, mom attended Marymount University… Has one sister, Mackenzie.
Get to Know Connor
- Enjoys hip-hop and rap, rhythm and blues, and vacation time at Marco Island, Florida
- Favorites include the book "Angels and Demons," the movie "Ace Ventura," and the TV station "ESPN"
- A fan of Spanish soccer star Iker Casillas, soccer's Manchester United, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, and celebrity Trey Songz
- Self-description in 10 words or less: "funny, mature, caring, approachable, easy-going, responsible individual"
- My favorite aspect of being an athlete is: "being able to showcase my abilities in front of a group of my peers and friends. In addition, simply being able to compete and feel the pressure of competition is very satisfying."
- The part of my game I've most improved is: "my tactical awareness and ball handling abilities."
- My personal athletic goal at VWC is: "to work hard, push myself and other teammates that that we can field the most competitive team possible."
- If I could spend the day with a famous person from any time period it would be: "Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), so I could ask him about his penalty kic strategy so I could become a better goalkeeper."
- If I could participate in a reality show it would be: "Wipeout. I would love to try and successfully run through their obstacle course and make it look easy."
- It's the year 2025 and: "I am married, with a family, and working for ESPN as a sports commentator."
- If I could possess one superpower it would be: "flying. I would never have to wait in traffic ever again!"
- People might be surprised to know: "I' can draw and design tattoos very well."
- The most important advice I've received is: "ability is how far you are willing to push yourself." -- Shaun T, professional trainer, Insanity Workouts
