Rory Dames
President
Email: rorydames@eclipseselect.org
BIO:
Rory Dames has dedicated many years and hard work to developing youth soccer in the Chicagoland area. In 1996 Dames joined the Eclipse Select Soccer Club when it consisted of only 3 teams. One year later Dames became the Director of Coaching and Player Development for the club. Today Eclipse is a full service club consisting of over 50 male and female teams and more than 750 players ranging from ages 8-19.
As the Eclipse Select Soccer Club Director of Coaching and Player Development, Dames has led the club to many successes over the last 10 years. In 2007 the Eclipse Select Soccer Club was named the #1 best girls soccer club in the nation by Soccer America and National Soccer Ranking.com. In 2008 Soccer America named Eclipse the #1 girls club in the nation for the second year in row. These recognitions come as a result of a strong 2006 season (4 teams qualifying for nationals) but also a strong club history. Over the years Dames has lead the club to numerous accomplishments including 8 national championships, 6 national finalists, 11 regional championships, 17 UYSA MRL championships, and 37 Illinois State Cup championships. The success of the club has come as a result of Dames long history of ambition, talent, and hard work both as a player and a coach.
Native to Chicago, Dames played High School Soccer at St. Viator in Arlington Heights where he graduated in 1991. After graduation he went on to play soccer at St. Louis University where his team won several conference championships and made an appearance in the NCAA Final 4. After college Dames played a season professionally for the Rockford Raptors.
Subsequent to his playing career Dames turned to coaching not only for the Eclipse but for his high school alma mater. Dames was the varsity girls head coach at St. Viator for 8 seasons (1997-2005) where he guided his teams to 7 conference championships and 7 regional titles. Dames made 5 trips to the Elite Eight during his tenure at St. Viator and won 3 state championships.
Dames continues to lead his teams to success making the Eclipse one of the most well known and respected girls clubs in the country. The club has won numerous national level tournaments and continues to compete at a high level. Dames is currently coaching several Eclipse teams in some of the most prestigious youth soccer events in the country including the USYSA National League and the Red Bull National League.
Dames also serves as the ID2 National Girls Director. He currently resides in Antioch, Illinois.
