Beth Tfiloh Community School has named Marc Burkom its new athletic director, with the appointment beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Burkom will lead the Beth Tfiloh Warriors athletic program after serving the school as a student-athlete, coach, physical education teacher and sports information director.
Burkom first attended Beth Tfiloh as a student-athlete and played varsity soccer for the Warriors. He was a senior captain in 1997 before returning to the school as an educator and coach.
Marc Burkom Brings Beth Tfiloh Experience to Athletic Director Role
Burkom began coaching in 1999 and later led Beth Tfiloh’s varsity boys soccer program. The source describes the 2026-27 school year as his 15th season leading the program.
In addition to coaching, Burkom teaches physical education at Beth Tfiloh and has served as the school’s sports information director. He has also coached with Pikesville Soccer Youth Club, Soccer Association of Columbia and Ellicott City Soccer Club. Burkom holds a United States Soccer Federation C License.
Burkom has described his greatest coaching accomplishment as “every time I see a player who I coached previously continuing to play and enjoy the game or living by the values we try to instill on the field.”
A Career Built on Resilience
Burkom was born in Baltimore on July 29, 1980, with fibular hemimelia and with two fingers on his right hand. Both of his feet were amputated below the knee when he was 2 months old, and he began walking on prosthetic legs at 16 months.
He underwent 10 additional surgeries between 1981 and 2001 while pursuing an active childhood that included soccer and other activities. Burkom later played varsity soccer at Beth Tfiloh and served as a senior captain in 1997.
An overseas soccer trip also reinforced his connection to the sport. “Seeing the shared joy in soccer transcend any language barriers helped me realize that I wanted to spend my life in and around soccer,” Burkom said in his coaching biography.
Burkom’s Influence on Beth Tfiloh Student-Athletes
Former Beth Tfiloh athletic director Jeff Clarke said Burkom’s disability was secondary to his identity as a coach. “It’s almost like a nonissue,” Clarke said. “I think that’s the most remarkable part. The kids don’t see him that way. They think of him as a really good soccer coach — period.”
Former Beth Tfiloh player Abdo Roffe also praised Burkom’s coaching. “He is just an unbelievable coach,” Roffe said. “I have played for a lot of teams and a lot of coaches. He is the best. He has brought out the best in me as a player.”
Former player Adam Teitelman said, “He makes it seem like a handicap is nothing.”
What Marc Burkom’s Appointment Means for Beth Tfiloh
Burkom’s appointment moves him into broader leadership at a school where he has held several athletic roles. His background includes playing for Beth Tfiloh, leading the varsity boys soccer program, teaching physical education and serving as sports information director.
Burkom and his wife, Marcy, are raising two children. He will begin leading the Beth Tfiloh Warriors athletic program with the 2026-27 school year.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Marc Burkom’s appointment gives Beth Tfiloh Community School an athletic director with extensive experience within the school and its athletic program. His path from Beth Tfiloh student-athlete to varsity boys soccer coach, teacher and athletic director provides continuity as he takes on the new role.
Burkom’s coaching background and stated emphasis on helping players continue to enjoy soccer and live by the values developed through the sport will now inform his leadership of the Beth Tfiloh Warriors athletic program.
Source: Original report
