MEET THE TEAM
ROB RORKE, MPM
FOUNDER & LEAD MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH
Rob Rorke is the Founder and Lead Mental Performance Coach at Next Play Sports, LLC. He's a Father of Two Daughters (Youth Sports Coach), NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament Official, and Business Owner. You probably have a lot in common. He knows what "Performance Under Pressure" looks like, both personally and professionally.
Since 2005, Rob has had some of the very best in all of collegiate & professional sports, sports psychology, leadership and mental performance as mentors, coaches, and influences on his life. Their profound impact is what has inspired him to create a system designed to equip you with real-life skills and strategies, that get real results!
In addition to his mental performance certification, Rob is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, where he earned a bachelors degree in business administration.
Rob's professional experience includes officiating in the NBA Development League and NCAA Division I Men's Basketball. He has been officiating at the Division I level since 2011 and has been selected to work the NCAA tournament since 2021. Additionally he has served as a mentor, and coach to many who have achieved success at all levels of sport, including both NCAA men's and women's athletics, professional sports and the Olympics.
Rob has been sought after to present, speak and educate on the topic of mental performance by various organizations and groups throughout the world.
Email Rob, rob@nextplaynow.com
DAVID TROYAN, MPM
LEAD MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
David Troyan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Next Play Sports, LLC. With his deep roots in college athletics as the son of Lehigh head softball coach, Fran Troyan and former Lehigh women's basketball coach, now Deputy Athletic Director Sue Troyan, David has learned from his parents combined experience of over 50 years in leading student athletes both on and off the playing field.
In addition to completing his mental performance mastery certification, David graduated from Lehigh University in 2020 with a degree in sociology, and in 2021 earned his masters in educational leadership. While earning his degree, his contributions at Lehigh also included field work centered around leadership development. After graduation, David quickly transitioned into an assistant coaching role on the Lehigh softball team and in only his first season the team celebrated their 15th Patriot League championship, a testament to David's contributions and dedication.
Demonstrating an ability to pursue success in a variety of ways, David became a Division I Women's Basketball Official in 2019 and in 2023, only his 4th season, earned his first NCAA Division I NCAA Tournament selection. His commitment to both education and sport is evident, and his multifaceted background adds a unique perspective to his consulting role.
Email David, david@nextplaynow.com
BRIAN BISACRE, MPM
MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
Brian brings over three decades of leadership, coaching, teaching, mentoring, and decision-making experience to Next Play Sports, LLC. A 33-year veteran of the United States Army, Brian retired from active-duty service in 2022 as a General Officer.
Immediately following his retirement, Brian pursued his passion of coaching and mentoring and serves as the assistant men’s golf coach at Gettysburg College where he additionally advises the men’s basketball program in leader development and mental performance strategies. This is not Brian’s first collegiate coaching experience; while serving as a professor at the United States Military Academy, Brian assisted the men’s basketball program from 1999 through 2001 as the head coach of the Army Black Knight junior varsity program.
In addition to completing his mental performance mastery certification, Brian graduated from Norwich University in 1989 with a degree in criminal justice and in 1994 earned a master’s in educational leadership. Brian earned an additional master’s degree in 2014 in national policy and strategy from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA.
Brian is a devoted husband and father of one son. Inspired by his life priorities of family, friends, faith and service, Brian brings a wealth of passion and experience to the mental performance discipline that makes him a valuable partner with any individual or team seeking to reach their maximum potential.
Email Brian, bbisacre@nextplaynow.com
BILL EK, MPM
MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
Bill is dedicated to helping clients and teams excel in sports and business. With a focus on navigating mental pressures and uncertainties, he equips individuals with teachable skills and habits to foster a healthier mindset and achieve peak performance.
Bill draws from a diverse background in coaching, officiating, and business leadership. His coaching experience includes coaching travel baseball programs that included a silver medal in the CBOA World Series. Additionally, he is the former head baseball coach at Mount Union College (D3). For the past 17 years, Bill has served as the Executive Director of Elite Officiating leading over 400 collegiate officials in which he assigns for 9 different collegiate conferences in 7 different states.
On the floor, Bill brings over 30 years of officiating experience, including 12 years as an NCAA Division I tournament official.
In addition to his sports career, Bill has held leadership positions in multiple million-dollar companies like US Foods, Champs Group Purchasing and Cutter and Buck apparel.
Bill's academic background in Education, coupled with certifications in leadership and Mental Performance Coaching, underscores his commitment to ongoing learning.
Outside of work, he treasures time with his family—wife Aimee and children Kendra and Jaden.
Email Bill, billek@nextplaynow.com
JOEY PALACZ, MPM
MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
Joey Palacz comes to Next Play Sports, LLC. bringing a wealth of real-life and professional experience beyond his mental performance mastery certification. He is a devoted husband, and father of three children.
He's built an illustrious career spanning over three decades as a high school educator in the state of Pennsylvania. Recently, Joey was recognized and honored as the prestigious "2022 Pennsylvania Physical Education Teacher of the Year". His educational credentials include a masters degree in Fitness and Wellness, along with an administrative certificate.
Beyond his contributions and impact in the classroom. Joey's athletic and coaching journey are equally impressive. He excelled as a five-sport standout in high school and later played Division II basketball at Slippery Rock University.
Additionally, Joey has coached various sports at multiple levels, demonstrating his dedication and passion for developing both the physical and mental skill sets for young athletes to excel in many areas of their lives.
Also impressive, is his 17 year career in NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Officiating, which has allowed him to develop a skill-set built around making real-time decisions, with immediate scrutiny, in high-pressure environments.
Joey's high-energy personality and natural ability to exude positivity make him a valuable source of inspiration and motivation for any individual, team or organization. We are excited to give Joey a platform to continue his history of profoundly impacting those who have had the privilege of being around him.
Email Joey, joeyp@nextplaynow.com