We are PEOPLE experts. Your sport has people involved and that’s where we come alongside you, your staff, your team.
“A common mistake of those who work in sport is spending a disproportional amount of time on ‘x’s and o’s’ as compared to time spent learning about people.” Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K – Duke Basketball)
Denison University
“Jeff did an outstanding job of helping the teams strip away peripheral/tangential/distracting issues – thus allowing them to identify, understand, and focus on their primary motivations for team and individual success. He communicates equally well with either gender and relates easily with college aged athletes. His extensive background and experience with world class athletes and exposure to world class performance makes him a valuable asset to anyone who is highly motivated to improve – Gregg Parini, Head Coach, Denison University – multi year national champions; 7x DIII National Coach of the Year
WHAT DO WE DO?
We don’t tell you how to coach. We are experts on people. It’s people who win games and championships. To talk about building a positive, championship culture is great, but it’ people who do that.
We build a foundation of self-awareness in athletes and coaches, upon which can be constructed a championship culture of mentally tough people.
“Are you a sports psychologist?” NO. I have a psychology degree and two Ph.D. psychologists who advise me, but I am a leadership coach.
“It looks like your sport is swimming. What value can you add to my sport?
“Jeff Raker’s leadership coaching has completely enhanced my communication and teaching as a coach. I understand the importance of learning how each specific player learns. Now I am able to challenge players to be the best that they can be, but in a way in which they can respond positively.” – Coach Tim Craft, Gardner Webb Men’s Basketball
Level Up Sports works with people, not sport specific skills. We are people experts so the sport doesn’t matter as long as it involves people.
“In 2016, at Olympic Swimming Trials, I was fortunate to have a first conversation with an official starter of the meet. Little did I know that this encounter in the hallway outside the pool area would eventually challenge me and grow me both personally and professionally. Jeff has become a trusted mentor and friend. You will find his questions and application thoughts both practical and pressing.” – Coach Mike Simpson, Auburn Swimming & Diving
Level Up Sports Leadership works on the following levels:
(1) individual teams – University or club settings
(2) team leaders in a multi-month University wide Leadership Academy
(3) coaches and staff (video or in person)
(4) captains (video or in person)
(5) individual athletes 1-on-1 (video or in person)
2016 Swimming Olympic Trials
“If you really buy into what Jeff says, you start seeing the things that are holding you and your team back, and he gives you the tools to be able to change yourself and your team’s culture for the better.” Bebe Wang (NCAA DIII champ in 200 back)
1-on-1 COACHING FOR COACHES
Individual coaches can choose a 1-on-1 coaching process described here.
COACHES ACADEMY
Coaches have asked for a less expensive, high impact coaching engagement, so we created it. Involving group coaching via Zoom, coupled with 1 on 1 interaction, The Coaches Academy will help you level up your leadership in your everyday interactions with your fellow coaches, your athletes, your parents, your board, and yourself. Check out a sample draft of an Academy that can be tailored to your group needs as an LSC or informal connections.
EXPERIENCE
With over 9000 athletes and three dozen coaches, clients include:
Auburn University
DePauw University
Notre Dame University
Cleveland State University
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
University of South Carolina
UC Santa Barbara
Mason Manta Rays Swim Team – OH (#5 nationally)
Gardner-Webb University Athletic Department – Leadership Academy
Gardner-Webb University – Men’s Basketball, Swimming, Softball, Baseball, Women’s Tennis, Lacrosse, Wrestling
Denison University Swim & Dive
Duke University swim teams
NC State men’s swim team
Eastern Michigan University
TAC Titans Swim Team (#1 nationally)
SwimMAC Swim Club – NC (#2 nationally)
NOVA of VA (#7 nationally)
Northern Kentucky University Women’s Basketball
Denison University Track & Field/Cross Country
University of Cincinnati Swim & Dive
Club Wolverine Swimming
University of Missouri Swim & Dive
Xavier University Freshmen athletes (all sports)
Ohio University Swim & Dive
Kenyon College Swim & Dive
Florida Gulf Coast University Swim & Dive
Cincinnati Marlins Swim Team
Dayton Raiders Swim Team
Hudson H.E.A.T. Swim Team
Shaker Sharks Swim Team
Cincinnati Aquatic Club
More Recommendations
“Over the past few years I have tried to increase the active education of being a leader to the athletes who move through my group. As coaches, I feel that we are responsible for more than just creating fast swimmers. We have an opportunity to help mold swimmers into the future leaders of our team and beyond. Through Level Up, and with Jeff Raker leading the course, the swimmers have been able to reflect on themselves and how that relates to the overall group and team dynamics. Jeff’s knowledge of the sport makes a drastic difference in relating what they learn in the classroom to their daily routines at the pool. I have already noticed some differences in how the swimmers relate to one another. Immediately after our session, I had parents sending me texts and emails stating how much their swimmer got from the time with Jeff.” – Coach Todd, Mason Manta Rays
“I have to admit I was a bit circumspect about implementing executive coaching with our swim coaches and swimmers. While I loved the general concept, I was uncertain how it would play out with our swimmers in a group setting. Through probing questions to the swimmers & coaches, keen insights and a deep well of swimming experience, Jeff Raker was deftly able to get a read on each group of swimmers, coaches, our team, and how they all work together. I found the Level Up coaching experience informative, interesting, challenging, nurturing and even fun! I know it has had a positive impact on not only me as an individual aspiring to develop and grow, but also has helped swimmers better understand themselves and, in turn, be better teammates.” – Coach Ken, Mason Manta Rays
“Jeff has done a fantastic job in helping me learn about how to lead myself so that I can properly lead my teammates. The academy helped me improve my thought processes in competition and in practice. His knowledge on conflict resolution, personality traits, and team chemistry has done nothing but benefit my team.” – Jon Henry GWU Golf
