Brian Irk was a member of the UIndy Men's Soccer team from 2003-07. He also was a play-by-play announcer for UIndy WICR 88.7FM radio station for football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball games. Irk was awarded the Indiana Association of School Broadcaster's Award for Top Collegiate Play-by-Play announcer.

Irk jokes one of the reasons he was a great radio announcer was due to his role on the women's basketball scout practice team. "That role allowed me some inside information I could use in broadcasts, as well as become great friends with the women on the team."

Irk says the times he spent with his teammates on bus rides, during practice, and in games are his favorite memories since he felt he was a member of a high quality team with high-character individuals. His favorite memory was scoring the game-winning goal his sophomore year at the University of Findlay.

Since graduating from UIndy, Irk has started a fitness studio that he has owned and managed for the last six years. Eventually, he plans to return to school and earn his Master's in Kinesiology. Irk and his wife, UIndy alumna Katie Stam have three children together.

Irk returns to campus often, and has taken notice of UIndy's dedication to improving facilities. He played soccer alongside current UIndy Head Men's Soccer coach John Higgins, who he remains friends with to this day.

Irks biggest takeaway from his college days were how important the relationships are. "We are meant to live life in relationships. We should always be pouring our time, energy and faith into people, as well as allowing some to pour into ourselves. So many people have been integral in helping me succeed. Pausing to reflect and appreciate those people is important but becoming a leader and mentor for someone else is the best gift you could give them in return." 

Irk encourages current UIndy students to know their classmates, teammates, and fellow Greyhounds. "Take time to not just meet people, but get to know them. Serve them, appreciate them as individuals, not just because that person may be able to help you later in life, but because you could be helping them in that moment."

"In closing, anyone who has done mission work in their life will tell you the same thing. I went there thinking I was going to help someone, but when I finished, I realized what they offered me was far greater than what I did for them."