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
This is a flexible section where you can share anything you want. It could be details or some information about your service 1.
Self-Compassion
This is a flexible section where you can share anything you want. It could be details or some information about your service 2.
Self-Leadership
This is a flexible section where you can share anything you want. It could be details or some information about your service 3.
from My Clients
Testimonials
Hear what our satisfied clients have to say about their experiences.
“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
“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.”
“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 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
“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
