MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
JOSH JACKSON
Head Athletic Trainer/ Founder
Memorial High School Native
Bethel College, Kansas
Basketball & Track
Meet Josh Jackson, the founder and head athletic trainer of Next Level Athletics. A Tulsa native, Josh played basketball at Memorial High School, where he won two state championships. Josh continued his athletic journey at Bethel College in Kansas. With a wealth of 7 years of experience, Josh has trained thousands of athletes, from young beginners to elite professionals, helping over 100 athletes achieve their dreams of competing at the collegiate level and training dozens of professional athletes across various sports. Josh is dedicated to exploring innovative training techniques and inspiring the next generation of athletes. He consistently brings positive energy to every session and enjoys trying out new sports and games.
EMMA JACKSON
Head Adult Trainer
Jenks High School Native
Fitness & Well-being
Emma Jackson began her personal training career in 2018 at a commercial gym in Tulsa. After a year, she pursued her dream of opening Next Level Athletics with her husband, Josh, and they launched the facility at the end of 2020. Emma specializes in both group and private training for adults, focusing on improving overall health tailored to individual needs. She is passionate about helping clients feel their best while making fitness enjoyable. An avid animal lover and a proud cat owner, Emma has a collection of cat-themed mugs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and cherishing moments with her friends and family.
AAREN HITCHCOCK
Sports Performance Trainer
Broken Arrow High School Native
Pitt State, Kansas
Football & Track
Aaren played football at Broken Arrow High School before continuing his career at Pittsburg State College. As a seasoned trainer at Next Level Athletics, Aaren takes pride in helping athletes reach their highest potential. He specializes in speed, agility, strength training, and overall athlete performance, enjoying a wide variety of sports along the way. Next Level has provided exceptional care not only for the athletes but also for the trainers, allowing Aaren to deepen his passion for athletics through invaluable opportunities. In his free time, you can find Aaren hanging out with friends and family, enjoying every moment he gets time off. Aaren loves a good joke and often keeps the mood light in training sessions with his humor.
MATTHEW SWEETMAN
Sports Performance Trainer
Portsmouth England Native
Rogers State University, Claremore
Soccer
Matthew Sweetman, goes by Sweets, was born and raised in Portsmouth, England. He played in soccer academies before continuing his career at Rogers State University, where he won two conference championships while earning a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Physical Therapy. After training at Next Level Athletics as a college athlete, Matthew felt an instant sense of belonging, and the gym became his home away from home. He is known for his intense training style, motivating athletes to give their maximum effort while building strong relationships that foster a supportive environment. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys attending music events with his brother and loves skiing during the winter season, making it one of his favorite sports. He and Josh are also an unbeatable duo at Spikeball—think you can take them on? Sweets would love to be challenged the next time you’re in!
SYDNEY SLAVEN
Sports Performance Trainer
Park West Native
University of Tulsa, Tulsa
Powerlifting
Sydney’s journey in the fitness world began as a powerlifting athlete and has transformed into a fulfilling coaching career. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals through strength-based skill development and evidence-based practices. With experience working with the University of Tulsa’s football, track and field, and cross-country teams, Sydney has designed rehabilitation programs and managed training to aid athletes in recovery. She also provides medical support for the Muskogee Roughers and the International Professional Rodeo Association and has worked with adaptive athletes, including powerlifters and distance runners. Her specialties include injury prevention, rehabilitation, and the development of movement patterns. Sydney strives to create a positive environment where clients feel included and motivated in their fitness journeys. In her free time, Sydney enjoys training and competing in triathlons, embracing the challenges that come with each race.