MEET THE TEAM
ROB RORKE
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. Rob implements and practices what he teaches.
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!
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.
Connect with Rob on Instagram today! Email, rob@nextplaynow.com
DAVID TROYAN
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
SAMPSON B. BRUE JR.
MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
Sampson B. Brue Jr. is a widow and father of one son, who serves as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at a distinguished community college in Southern California.
Sampson's dedication to service and discipline began in 1980, continuing through 1989 as a member of the United States Navy. In addition to his mental performance mastery certification, he has also earned a sports psychology for peak performance certification awarded by Ashworth College, and is a Maxwell Leadership certified speaker and coach. Currently Sampson is continuing his life-long approach to learning through pursuit of his public leadership credential through the Harvard Kennedy School as well as his associates degree in psychology from Ashworth College.
Professionally, Sampson most recently served as a Referee Scout Lead for the National Basketball Association (NBA), and previously had a career in college athletics as an official, observer and assignor at various levels.
Sampson is best known for the countless number of young men and women whom he has mentored to success both in sport and life throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond.
Email Sampson, sbrue@nextplaynow.com
JOEY PALACZ
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