After showing off his prowess on the soccer pitch as a Duhawk, Zeke Kyoore (’20) is now helping ensure the next generation of players are developing and staying healthy in his new profession.
Kyoore is the head academy athletic trainer with the Portland Timbers. The academy is a developmental team that works with elite youth soccer players throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Through advanced training and competitive opportunities, they create a pathway from the youth levels to the pros with the Timbers’ first team.
“So far, the experience has been great, I love working with kids and getting the opportunity to work in high-level soccer,” he said. “I collaborate with coaches and performance specialists to insure the health and safety of each athlete is a top priority.”
Kyoore graduated as a kinesiology major and earned his masters degree in athletic training from Loras. While in high school, he knew he wanted to work in professional sports. While studying at Loras, he discovered a path to make it a reality.
“When I found athletic training, I realized it was the perfect blend of sports medicine and performance training that allowed me to work with athletes at a high level.”
Following his time at Loras, Kyoore completed an internship at Ohio State University with the men’s and women’s track and field programs. Since he joined the Timbers, Kyoore was a part of the success of the academy’s U15 team.
“So far, the coolest moment has been winning the Adidas Generations Cup with our U15 squad earlier this year. The tournament is one of the highest-level youth tournaments in the country, and our team was able to defeat both MLS and European youth academies to reach and win the final. The whole experience reminded me why I love team sports and the game of soccer so much,” he said.
Kyoore is quick to acknowledge the role that Loras played in setting him on his career path. “The Loras MAT program gave me the groundwork to become an athletic trainer at a high level,” he said. “The professors and preceptors all did a great job of providing me with the information and skills that helped me get to where I am today. I would recommend the Loras MAT program to any person who values a well-designed, highly interactive, and challenging experience.”
