Youth athletics play a crucial role in fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline among young individuals. However, with the increasing focus on performance and competition, the risk of injuries in youth sports has also risen. As parents, coaches, and educators, it is our responsibility to implement effective injury prevention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes. Below … Read More
The benefits of sports for your child
Engaging in sports activities can have a transformative impact on children’s lives. Beyond the thrill of competition and the joy of playing, sports offer a myriad of physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to the development of young individuals. Let us explore why kids benefit immensely from participating in sports. Physical Fitness and Health: Regular participation in sports ensures … Read More
The First, Not the Lasts
My son is a senior this year. There’s a constant litany running through my head: last game. Last tackle. Last rebound. Last three-pointer. This is the last year I’ll get to watch him play. We spend a lot of time and energy on the destination: the varsity team, the college team. We focus on where we’re going rather than on … Read More
Concussion & Assessment Education – March 11, 2020 at 6:00pm with Dr. Ellen Hector
Who is Dr. Ellen? Dr. Ellen was born and raised in the Detroit area, and graduated from Central Michigan University with her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine / Exercise Physiology / Athletic Training. She then attended the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008. She holds specialties and additional certifications in Concussion … Read More
Sports Nutrition – February 19, 2020 at 6:30pm with Gretchen Kauth, RD, MEd
Gretchen has over 30 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and uses evidence-based nutrition recommendations to help her clients reach their goals. She has worked with area athletes at WMU and Kalamazoo College. She specializes in: Sports/Performance Nutrition Female Athlete Triad Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating Non-Diet Approach to Health and Well-Being Medical Nutrition Therapy for Heart Disease, Diabetes, and other … Read More
Sports Injuries, What Every Parent Should Read
Dear Next Level Performance families, For the last several weeks, my daughter has been complaining about knee pain after practice and games. We always respond the same – ice, Motrin, rest. Inside I am telling myself she has grown four inches, she is doing too much, she just needs to deal with it. Normal pain for a growing athlete. She … Read More
The Science Behind Effective Coaching
The secret to lasting life change is found in building great relationships. At Next Level Performance, when we look back on our time with an athlete we ask three key questions to determine the success of our athletic and leadership training: Did the athlete become a better player? Did the athlete become a better person? Did the athlete enjoy this … Read More
The One Quality Great Teammates Have in Common
During my playing career, every football program I’d ever been a part of was about seniority, more so than service. Sophomores carried the water and equipment, seniors ordered them around. A coming of age meant more bossing around and less busy work. Admittedly, I ran my program this way my first season as a head coach. It was what I … Read More
The Lessons We Can Learn from Great Athletes
Development is a term we hear thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? Progress? Growth? Learning? At Next Level we believe development is building. Building complete people – young men and women who are great leaders, students, athletes, and servants of others. There is a new house being built in my neighborhood, adjacent to my property. Brick by … Read More