Meet Spero Mantzavrakos

Spero Mantzavrakos, founder of Next Level Training Corp. (NLT), has over 15 years experience helping athletes physically and mentally prepare for competition. NLT designs Strength & Conditioning programs for athletes and teams, provides sports specific consulting, high performance sports camps, and leadership workshops. Spero has served as head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the NHL’s New York Islanders, New York Dragons Arena Football League, the 2005 Memorial Cup Champion London Knights hockey club, and many other elite level athletic organizations.

Spero’s training systems combine practical knowledge gained from thousands of training hours in the trenches, professional football playing experience and the full might of established scientific principles. Spero’s philosophy is that strength and conditioning extends far beyond pushing physical limits and must include motivating athletes to believe in themselves and realize their unique athletic and leadership potential.

A History of Experience

• Next Level Training Corp. 1997 – Present
• London FC (USL Professional soccer) 2008 – 2009
• London Knights, Jr. A 2002 – 2005
• London Badgers Elite Amateur Baseball Organization (2002-05)

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for each of the above mentioned organizations responsible for developing periodized annual programs, testing and monitoring team and individual performance provided post rehabilitation for injured players Responsible for implementation administration of performance nutrition for team and individuals.

• New York Islanders (Bridgeport AHL, NY Dragons AFL) 2003 – 2004 – Lockout

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Provided post rehabilitation strength & conditioning for injured players cleared to train Developed and implemented complete nutritional strategy for home and away games, pre and post practice. Collaborated with entire team to agree on favourite road restaurants and co-created performance menu with various entrees for players to choose based on preference.

Accomplishments

• Overhauled entire 2003-04 New York Islanders strength training regimen and turned around negative attitudes towards structured team workouts. Acquired team buy in to participate in pre game team stretching, post practice workouts and team meals. This contributed to helping foster a team attitude and helped us clinch a come from behind final playoff spot where we lost in five games to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Strength and Conditioning Coach for London Knights organization when they set single season CHL record for wins and won the Memorial Cup Championship (2002 – 2005).
• Hired by Philadelphia Flyers for Prospect Consulting 2007.
• Designed team training systems for NY Apple Core Jr. A Hockey Organization (2003-05).
• Designed team systems for NY Bobcats Hockey Jr. A Organization (2005-05).
• Designed team systems for Badgers Baseball Organization Played Professional Football with the Fresno Bandits 1996 (Minor League Super Bowl Champions).
• Set California State Bench Press Record (225lbs 42 times) while with Fresno Bandits as a 215lb fullback. Personal Best 100 m 10.78 sec (electronic), Personal Best 40 yard dash – 4.36 seconds.
• Worked with Hundreds of Pro and Amateur Athletes from the NHL, NFL, MLB, CFL, AHL, OHL, NCAA, Track and Field.

References ( Phone numbers available upon request )

• Don Boyd, Director of Hockey Operations – Columbus Blue Jackets
• Scott Luce, Director of Amateur Scouting – Florida Panthers
• Don Luce, Director of Player Development – Philadelphia Flyers
• Mark Hunter, General Manager & Co-owner - London Knights
• Steve Jackson, Head Coach - Notre Dame Hockey
• Greg Marshall, Head Football Coach - University of Western Ontario Mustangs
• Ken Eansor, Owner – London Jr.B Nationals
• Ian Lawson, President World Wide Sports Medical Products – Johnson & Johnson