Monday April 28, 2008
Coming out of Boston University, Zach Kirby was one of the most acclaimed defenders in the country. Alxi Lalas, general manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy, recognized it immediately. As did Silverbacks coach, Jason Smith, who had watched Kirby blossom playing in the Atlanta elite youth leagues. But Smith would have to wait to have his coveted defender. Kirby went to Los Angeles, where he battled daily with the likes of Landon Donovan and Abel Xavier. But the Galaxy was forced to purge the roster to bring in a little known Englishmen who,  before coming to L.A., plyed his trade in Spain. Kirby finished up the season playing for USL-2 club Wilmington Hammerheads. Following the season, he made it known he was interested in coming home. Smith didn't have to think twice. Now Kirby features alongside Matt Bobo to anchor the defense. We recently sat down with Kirby to get a little insight into the Silverbacks' newest defender.


Atlanta Silverback: Full Name
Zach Kirby: Zachary Ryan Kirby.

AS: Birthday
ZK: January 2, 1985

AS: Position
ZK: Center back

AS: Where were you born?
ZK: Atlanta, Georgia

AS: Hometown?
ZK: Roswell, Georgia

AS: Are you married?
ZK: No.

AS: Any children?
ZK: No

AS: Where did you go to college?
ZK: Boston University

AS: In what is your degree?
ZK: Psychology and business administration and management.

AS: How old were you when you first played soccer?
ZK: About seven, I think

AS: What was the name of your first team?
ZK: The Lions.

AS: What other sports did you play?
ZK: I played basketball for a bit.


AS: What's your most memorable experience?
ZK: Wow. That's a tough question. Between graduating from BU and opening day here at Silverbacks Park.

AS: What's your most embarrassing moment?
ZK: I don't really remember it, but, I'm sure I was embarrassed: I was really young and somehow I flushed my mother's wedding ring down the toilet. My brother told me to. I was probably more ashamed of myself than embarrassed. I really don't remember it. I was three or four.

AS: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
ZK: Probably somewhere in South America. Argentina maybe. I love the Spanish language, and I think it is a very culturally diverse and interesting country.

AS: What person, living or dead, do you most admire?
ZK:My dad. He's my hero. I've always looked up to him. He's always been there for me.

AS: Who would you most like to meet?
ZK: The Dali Lama.

AS: Best player you have ever played with?
ZK: Kyle Martino.

AS: Best player you've ever played against?
ZK: Mac Kandji.

AS: How did you become a Silverback?
ZK: Jason and I had been in and out of touch the past year or so. Really after this last year of finishing up school, Jason gave me the opportunity to have a trial. I did well. One thing led to another, and I ended up sighing.

AS: What's your most memorable experience as a Silverback?
ZK: Opening day, by far.

AS: What's the funniest thing you fans have done or said?
ZK: Probably just yelling at the opposing team. I couldn't repeat most of them. I've heard some pretty hysterical comments.

AS: What's the scariest thing you have seen fans do?
ZK: Riot.

AS: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
ZK: Nothing. I love my job.

AS: Would you rather read a book or watch television?
ZK: Read a book.

AS: Who's your favorite author?
ZK: I wouldn't say I have a favorite author. More of a genera. I'm really interested in nuero-science.

AS: Favorite actor?
ZK: I like Benicio Del Toro.

AS: Favorite fictional character?
ZK: Goofy.

AS: Who is your favorite musician or band?
ZK: Iron and Wine. I really like folk music.

AS: Best concert you have ever seen?
ZK: Quite possible Iron and Wine, at the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points.

AS: What did you have for dinner last night?
ZK: Chinese, tangerine beef, it was good.

AS: Would you rather cook or eat out?
ZK: Depends on the mood.

AS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
ZK: When I get dressed, I do it the exact same way every time. Shorts, shirt, whole left foot, whole right foot.

AS: What do you like to do after games?
ZK: Ice, and relax for a little bit, and then go have a laugh with the team.

AS: Global warming, myth or mayhem?
ZK: Mayhem.

AS: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?
ZK:  I'd like to be left-footed.

AS: When you hear a child say they want to be a professional soccer player when they grow up, what do you tell them?
ZK: Work hard, and put your mind to it, and stay committed. And it is a very possible goal to achieve.

AS: Best thing about your job?
ZK: The hours.

AS: What's the hardest part of your job?
ZK: Getting suntan lotion in my eyes when I sweat.

AS: What do you think you'll do when you are finished playing?
ZK: Possibly go back to school in some field of nuero-psychology.

AS: What's the first thing you will do at the end of the season?
ZK: Take a good week off. Relax.

AS: Who will win the EPL this year?
ZK: I'd like Liverpool.

AS: Who will win MLS?
ZK: The Revolution.

AS: Who will win USL1?
ZK: Atlanta Silverbacks.

AS: Who will win the World Cup first, the U.S. or England?
ZK: England.

AS: What are you doing after this interview?
ZK: I'm house sitting, so I have to go clean a pool.

AS: Thanks, and good luck.