RORY LEMKE

Rory was born into a family with great soccer tradition. As a toddler, his German father helped him develop a feel for the ball. As it would seem, Rory’s passion for the sport was innate.

Growing up in Loveland, Colorado, Rory played recreationally until he was selected for Club United -- a traveling team -- at the age of nine-years-old. Throughout his youth, Rory gained experience and learned skills from competing against some of the best players in the region.

He attended Thompson Valley High School and played four years on varsity. His performance and personality led him to be selected as captain for his junior and senior seasons. However, injuries were a limiting factor for this talented player. His struggle to stay healthy forced him to learn how to contribute without playing. This was the start of Rory’s education in coaching. Instead of receiving deserved accolades for his play when healthy, he got the “most motivating” honors for his impressive contribution when not fit.

Despite his body’s battle to stay healthy, Rory managed to play at the college level. He captained Bethel College for two seasons. The highlight of his college career was a two-week tour of Sweden. Unfortunately, the nagging injuries continued; nonetheless, his dream of playing professionally never wavered.

The long-standing belief was that if he could get his body to support his skill and ability -- anything was possible. After college, Rory played at the highest amateur level in Minnesota and worked as a professional soccer skills trainer as well as teaching in a local school.

His soccer journey took him to California for a Professional Developemental League tryout and then to Oregon to play in the Oregon Premier Soccer League. His health continued to be a challenge, and after a three-on-three tournament in Florida -- his body had had enough.

As fate would have it, he sat next to a Beaverton Chiropractor on his flight back to Portland. After an engaging conversation about his body, Rory was referred to ADAPT.

In a final push to make it to the next level, Rory committed a year to train with Brian Cassidy and ADAPT to prepare for the Portland Timber open tryouts. It was a great experience because for once -- his body was healthy. The professional career did not pan out but a new dream was born: help others pursue their goals by keeping them injury free.

Rory specializes in training others how to tap into their heart, improve their athletic ability, and play with ginga*.

*Absolute bliss and happiness.