Bunker Sports Performance at the Fort

Building Young Athletes

The Sports Performance Training program helps young athletes develop essential training skills to improve their performance on the field or court. Focused on making training fun and engaging, it introduces athletes to structured workouts while emphasizing technique. By training in a group setting, the program aims to build a strong foundation, preparing these athletes to become future role models in sports.

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Agility

In this segment of the program, athletes learn to perform in different planes of motion. They focus on proper sprinting, running techniques, and agility. Key skills, such as safely decelerating and quickly changing direction, are taught to help athletes enhance performance and ensure a longer, injury-free career.
Meet The Coaches

Power

Being explosive is crucial in many sports, as it involves an athlete's ability to generate maximum force from the ground through their body. Through plyometrics, medicine ball exercises, Olympic lifting, and focused jumping drills, athletes will develop their power and explosiveness. These exercises help improve vertical and horizontal leap, enhancing overall athletic performance and enabling quicker, more powerful movements on the field or court.
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Resilience

A major goal of the program is to keep your athlete on the field or court by reducing the risk of injury. The program is designed to help them maintain peak performance throughout the season, ensuring they remain strong and injury-free, even as the season progresses.
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Damien Valentine

Damien is a personal trainer, athletic performance coach, and group fitness coach here at The Fort Athletic Club. Born and raised in Neptune, NJ, he developed a passion for sports at a young age and went on to become a member of the Neptune High School track team, competing in the javelin and shotput. Earning All-State and All-Shore honors on the field, he continued his education and athletic career at Montclair State University as a dual-sport athlete in football and track, becoming a conference and regional javelin champion. Damien holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Exercise Science and is passionate about helping clients improve strength, mobility, and overall performance.

Certifications:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Anatomy of Speed (Parisi Speed School)

 

Specialties:

  • Strength & Power Development
  • Weight Loss
  • Mobility & Flexibility
  • Speed & Agility
  • Athletic Performance

Rory Fitzgerald

Rory’s athletic journey began at CBA and led to a soccer scholarship at Rutgers University, where he earned a degree in Health and Exercise Science. His experience at Rutgers led him to explore Physical Therapy, but he ultimately pivoted to Personal Training to work more directly with a wider range of clients. At The Fort Athletic Club, Rory specializes in programs that span from post-physical therapy return-to-play to general fitness and strength training. He also coaches youth athletes as part of the Bunker Sports Performance Program, bringing his athletic background and coaching expertise to every session.

Outside the gym, Rory enjoys supporting his children at a variety of sporting events and coaching soccer at CBA.

Certifications:

  • BS: Health and Exercise Science – Rutgers University

Specialties:

  • Post-Physical Therapy Return-To-Play
  • Strength & Resistance Training
  • Youth & Adult Sports Performance
  • Sports-Specific Training and Coaching (Soccer)

Ryan Puck

Ryan is a dedicated fitness professional and competitive athlete with a lifelong passion for sports, performance, and healthy living. By combining in-depth research, professional certifications, and personal training experience, he continually enhance and refine both his own athletic ability as well as his coaching methods. Ryan works with a wide range of clients including young aspiring athletes, individuals transitioning from physical therapy, everyday fitness seekers and elite performers, always tailoring his approach to help each client reach their full potential.

  • MS: Exercise Physiology – University of Missouri
  • BS: Exercise Science – Plymouth State University

Certifications:

  • National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • USA Weightlifting Certified
  • Pain Free Performance Specialist
  • Stick Mobility Certified
  • FMS Certified

Kristina Disakias

Kristina has always had a passion for fitness and helping others, which naturally led her into a career in the health and wellness industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Exercise Science from Rowan University and brings high energy, enthusiasm, and a positive mindset to every session. With experience in group fitness, semi-private training, and personal training, Kristina focuses on helping clients feel good, build confidence, and achieve sustainable, long-term results—without relying on fads or quick fixes.

Outside the gym, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach, playing volleyball, or enjoying a great meal out with friends. Her upbeat attitude and infectious energy make her a favorite among members at The Fort Athletic Club.

Certifications:

  • BS: Health & Exercise Science – Rowan University
  • NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
  • Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC L1 & 2)

Specialties:

  • Semi-Private and Personal Training

Steve Gallagher

At the Personal Training Manager, Steve is excited to pass his knowledge of functional training on to the members and athletes at The Fort Athletic Club. He started his coaching career in 2011 where Steve trained collegiate and professional athletes at a performance center in South Jersey. A few years later he moved to adult functional training and spent 5 years coaching in the MBSC Thrive network where he specialized in athletic training for the general population. Steve played baseball collegiately, and continues to participate in a variety of adult sports leagues. He developed a passion for pickleball and holds his PPR certification.