Jeremy Pope
Founder/ Exec. Director
Hometown: Westerville, OH
Undergrad from Goshen College - College Basketball Player
Graduate from Lassell College
Owner of Next Level Skills Basketball Academy
Student Athletes have unique challenges when it comes to navigating the recruiting process and college life. This program is meant to help student-athletes and their families to prepare for all the ups and downs yet to come, earn a college degree and start a meaningful career.
Camron Hill
Chair of Board of Directors
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad from Loyola University - College Basketball Player
Graduate from St. Thomas University Miami
District Athletic Director for Valor Collegiate Academies of Nashville
I truly believe and value the vision of supporting student-athletes both on and off the playing field. I believe it's programs like this that invest in the whole person that sets student-athletes up for success long after they are done playing. I am a firm believer that "it takes a village" to raise a child and support a child and that is what this organization does.
Tiffaney Badgett
Director
Hometown: Inkster, MI/ Evanston, IL
Undergrad from Tennessee State University
Graduate from Trevecca Nazarene University
Owner of Limitless Captures Music City
Provider Adoption Specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Raising three boys in the Nashville community I have embraced the motto “It takes a village”. My family has been directly impacted by Next Level Skills and I am looking forward to paying if forward to other families in the community.
Taiwan Hamilton
Director
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Lead Academy - HS Basketball Player
Automotive Dealership Finance Manager
Owner of Knowledge Auto Sales
I was able to experience first hand what this program was all about starting in 2017. I grew up in this community and understand the challenges. I believe in this program 110% and the ability it has to improve lives. I wouldn't be where I am today without this program.
Todd Heifner
Director
Hometown: Battle Creek, MI
Undergrad from Oakland University - College Golfer
General Manager/ COO of Hillwood Country Club
Sports teach us team building, work ethic, overcoming adversity, and time management skills that serve us for the rest of our lives. I believe that Next Level Skills is teaching young men and women how to transfer these lessons to the real world beyond the court/field. Learning how to use the skills acquired from sports to college and career is a meaningful purpose, and showing these kids that they have what it takes to succeed is an invaluable service to our communities.
Lauren Dreitlen
Director
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergrad from Tennessee State University - College Softball Player
Owner of All Strength Nashville in Franklin, TN
I have joined this non-profit to give support and provide resources to student athletes in Middle Tennessee as they work to continue athletics and education at the collegiate level.
John Jackson
Chief Financial Officer
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Current Student at South College
Finance Assistant at Valor Collegiate Academies of Nashville
​
I’m a part of NLS Prep to change lives. As a kid there wasn’t a particular place to go to that supported athletes and helped them grow as young people. I feel like if there was something like this for me growing up, I wouldn’t have to struggle as much to get where I am. I see the organization as a guide to become not just as an athlete but as a scholar.
Kayla Culp
Secretary
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergrad from Middle Tennessee State University
IT Sales Staffer at TEKsystems
​
I have been itching to get back into the wonderful world of sports and this was the perfect opportunity. One of my life passions is being a good role model for the next generation and being able to "big sister" them to success through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am looking forward to helping where I can and watching the impact Next Level Skills has on the next generation of athletes.
