Rick Celebrini

Rick Celebrini (born October 16, 1967) is a Canadian former soccer player who is the physiotherapist and head of sports medicine and science for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.

In 1985, Celebrini began his collegiate soccer career at Capilano University.

In 1986, Capilano finished third in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Soccer Championship.

Celebrini played for the Canadian U-20 national team at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.

He played professionally for the Vancouver 86ers.

Celebrini is also a founder and the Director of Sport Medicine and Science for the Fortius Institute.

In 1987, Celebrini transferred to the University of British Columbia, but was out of soccer for nearly two years after breaking his left foot.

In 1987 and 1989, Celebrini played for the Edmonton Brick Men of the Canadian Soccer League during the collegiate off seasons and played with the Vancouver 86ers in 1992.

In 1987, Celebrini earned four caps with the Canadian U-20 national team which competed at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.

During his five seasons with the Thunderbirds (1988-1992), Celebrini and his team mates won four consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport men's soccer championship.

In 1992, he graduated with a degree in physiotherapy.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1992, Celebrini pursued a career as a physiotherapist in addition to playing professionally.

On April 22, 1993 signed Vancouver 86ers of the American Professional Soccer League.

He also played for the Canadian team at the 1993 Summer Universiade.

Celebrini first became interested in physiotherapy after breaking his ankle when he was fifteen and receiving therapy at the same clinic which treated professional athletes.

His interest was reinforced after a broken left foot kept him from playing for two years.

He became the team physiotherapist for the Canadian Alpine Men's Ski Team at the 1994 Winter Olympics and 2002 Winter Olympics.

He remained with Vancouver through the 1996 season, but was hampered by injuries during most of those years.

In 2010, he was the chief therapist and medical manager at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

On July 29, 2011, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC hired Celebrini as the team's physiotherapist.

In August 2018 he became the director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.

Celebrini is a co-founder and partner in the Fortius Institute and senior member in the leadership team behind Fortius Sport & Health.

The Fortius Institute is an integrated team of sport medicine, science and training leaders committed to best practices in prevention, performance, treatment, education and research.

His son Macklin is an ice hockey player and considered a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.