Next Level Performance is East Tennessee’s premier youth athlete training facility. By providing complete athletic training, recovery options, and school prep services, we strive to develop well-rounded athletes who succeed both on and off the field. But we know it’s not us that has to put in the work – it’s our athletes. Our goal is to create a positive and uplifting environment for each athlete that walks through our doors, so that they may grow and push to that next level – whatever that may be for them.

JEREMAINE COPELAND

Jeremaine Copeland is a name well known in our area. Jeremaine received his bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences with a minor in African Studies from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. From UTK to the NFL Europe to the XFL and the CFL, he has a long career of being a powerhouse football player. Jeremaine’s playing career highlights include:

• 2x SEC Champion
• College Football National Champion
• NFL Europe League Leading Receiver
• XFL Champion & League Leading Receiver in Receptions
• CFL 2x Grey Cup Champion
• 2x CFL Leading Receiver
• 2x CFL All-Star
• 4x CFL 1000 Yard Receiver

But he didn’t stop at playing, after retiring in 2012 Jeremaine moved into coaching. As a coach, he worked with receivers assisting in game plan preparation, passing game adjustments, defensive breakdown, and scout team preparation. 

ABIGAIL DAUGHERTY

Abigail holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an exercise science concentration and a master’s degree in Applied Sport Science and Coaching Education from East Tennessee State University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport psychology and motor behavior from the University of Tennessee. While at ETSU she worked with ETSU softball and the ETSU reserved officer training corps program cadets (ROTC).

SEAN GREEN

Sean Green is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the basketball court. He played basketball at the high school and collegiate levels before becoming a basketball trainer and opening his own training facility Priority 1 Athletics. He has trained players of all levels including NBA, WNBA, FIBA, College (D1, D2, D3, JUCO, and NAIA), High School (McDonald All-Americans), Middle School, and Little League players. No matter the level, Sean feels that everyone needs to learn everything needed to play the game. Sean has a passion for player development that only continues to grow the more he works with athletes. His training philosophy is for a player to be equipped to handle any moment on the court by being able to identify that “priority number 1” during play.

XAVIER MITCHELL

Xavier Mitchell is a former professional football player. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and BC Lions as a free agent in 2009. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, and he is currently the Defensive coordinator at Halls High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Xavier has coached High School football for nine years and was selected as the Five Star Preps assistant football coach of the year in 5A Region 3 in 2021 as the Defensive Coordinator for Clinton High School in Clinton, TN.

Rickey Jennings

Rickey Jennings has been involved with coaching softball for over 30 years. During this time, he has coached at the college, high school, and competitive travel ball level. Many of his players have continued on to play softball at Division I, Division II, and Ivy League schools. He has also worked with multiple College All Americans (Trena Peel, Sarah Fekete, and India Chiles) developing their hitting skills and left-handed slapping techniques.

Rickey’s experience includes Head Coach at Hiwassee College, Assistant Coach at Hampton University, Assistant Coach at Oak Ridge High School, Head Coach at Eglecrest High School, Assistant Coach at Horizon High School, and Head Coach of the Colorado Pony Express (Class A, Travel Team).

Rickey’s coaching objective is working on softball fundamentals for student athletes to compete at high levels. These fundamentals focus on bunting, slapping, hitting stance, swing power, infield skills, and catching skills.

Rickey’s son, Ricky, is a former middle infielder for Division I Mesa State College. His daughter, Stacey, is a former pitcher/utility player at the University of Tennessee and the University of Maryland. His grandson, RJ, is currently a pitcher for Roane State, and his granddaughter, Khya, is currently a middle infielder for Jackson State University.

Vonce Henderson

Coach Henderson, aka Coach Hen, grew up in Oak Ridge, TN, and has remained a constant figure in the athletic community of our area. Coach Hen has coatched a variety of sports at the high school level, including football, track, and basketball. He has also privately trained track and football athletes for over 8 years. Coach’s passion for coaching and developing athletes is rooted in his drive of helping athletes earn opportunities to advance themselves through athletics by maximizing their athletic ability and understanding for their sport.

When he’s not in the gym training athletes, Coach Hen enjoys spending time with his family which includes 4 children – 2 boys and 2 girl. We asked him his advice for the younger generation and his response was “Live in the moment and never overlook today’s experience, for tomorrow’s dream.”