Prior to joining the Fitchburg State coaching staff, Wirkkala served as the head women's volleyball coach at Hudson (Mass.) High School. Prior to that, he led the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) men's volleyball club team for two years, qualifying for the playoffs both seasons and finishing fourth overall in New England in 2015.

For four seasons (2008-2012), Victor led the women's volleyball team at Ayer (Mass.) High School to great success, including an undefeated season in 2010. He also served as men's varsity head coach at Leominster (Mass.) High School between 2005 and 2009.

Wirkkala is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve (1985-1993). He graduated from Westfield State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and was an all-star setter and two-year team captain on the Owls' men's volleyball team. After a 20-year career as a corrections officer, Wirkkala retired from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections in 2011.