We are PEOPLE Experts
Your sport has people involved and that’s where we come alongside you, your staff, your team.
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?
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.
I work on the following levels:
- Individual teams – University or club settings
- Team leaders in a multi-month University wide Leadership Academy
- Coaches and staff (video or in person)
- Captains (video or in person)
- Individual athletes 1-on-1 (video or in person)
Our Services
Explore a wide range of services tailored to your needs.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the #1 difference maker between average and elite athletes. You will grow for a lifetime with the tools and tips you will learn.
Self-Compassion
Knowing who you are is important but it must be followed by accepting who you are. Some things work and some things don’t in our lives. This is the pathway to growth and change.
Self-Leadership
This is the goal – be in charge of yourself no matter what is going on around you. You get to lead you. It’s both an opportunity and a challenge.
from My Clients
Testimonials
Hear what our satisfied clients have to say about their experiences.
“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. I noticed changes almost immediately, along with responses from parents seeing a difference as well.”
Coach Todd, 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.”
“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. 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. Level Up Sports 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 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, Division 1 Men’s Basketball
“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
“Jeff’s work with my daughter has brought remarkable results – growing confidence, better attitude, more satisfying performance, and more positive self-talk.” Mom
“Thank you for returning my son to me.” Mom
“We consider Jeff part of Team [daughter’s name]. His work has helped her grow in confidence which has translated into bette performance in the pool and a better approach to school and life in general.” – Mom of rising D1 athlete
“I always do better when I’m connecting with you.” – Junior national qualifier, rising D2 athlete after a 2 year hiatus in our work
