The Human Performance Project was founded with the goal of improving high school athletic performance. Our founder, John Underwood, spent years researching sleep, nutrition, substance use, mood, mindset, and recovery, all of which play a factor in high school athletic performance. Whether your focus is team sports or individual sports, leadership skills such as communication, debriefing, conflict management, strategic planning, and more give students hands-on, practical knowledge that leads to improving their high school athletic performance and academic performance. Learn more about the human performance project of Illinois using the links below and contact us today with any questions about your local chapter or starting a chapter at your school!
High School Athletic Performance
John Underwood
John Underwood is the founder of the Life of an Athlete Human Performance Project and was instrumental in designing the Human Performance Program for the US Navy SEAL Teams. A former NCAA All-American, International-level distance runner and World Masters Champion, John has coached or advised more than two dozen Olympians including World and Olympic Champions. He holds three International Olympic Solidarity diplomas for coaching and has appeared as a guest commentator for ABC Wide World of Sports. John has served as a human performance adviser to many high level sport federations including the NCAA, NHL, NBA, NFL, the U.S. Olympic Committee, Sport Canada and the International Olympic Committee.
Applied Performance Sciences
Applied Performance Sciences (APS) is dedicated to expanding the capacity for performance in human beings at the individual and organizational levels. Achieving peak performance in any discipline requires a specific set of conditions and specialized preparation—physical, mental, behavioral, and neurobiological. With a unique understanding of these factors, APS has developed methods for applying them to teams and individuals to maximize performance. Founded by US Navy SEALs and developed in conjunction with Olympic and professional sport coaches, Veteran Navy SEALS deliver content and training that is applicable to any environment in which peak performance is desired.
Human Performance Project in Illinois
Meet the IL HPP Team
Abbie Lee
Abbie is the Project Lead for IL HPP-led initiatives. She graduated from Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, MI, with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Speech Communication while she concentrated in both Public Advocacy and English Literature. She has always had a strong passion for working with an active nonprofit organization such as, OMNI Youth Services, and is excited for the work she will be doing with IL HPP. Abbie is looking forward to working alongside the prevention team to help encourage youth to live their best lives by making the best choices they can for themselves.
Julie Berry
Julie graduated from the Trinity International University with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry and is currently getting her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health. She is passionate in helping others find their true self so they are more fully alive and in turn, so is the world. She loves the heart behind the human performance project (HPP) because its foundational goal is to inspire toward optimal performance which include all the good stuff: positivity, healthy choices, accountability, and untapping your greatest potential.
Erika Hahn
Meet our newest Prevention Specialist, Erika! Erika graduated from Illinois State University in 2020, where she studied recreation and leisure management, along with community health promotion. She also received a minor in dance. Erika has always had a passion for moving her body, advocating for others, and an appreciation for learning about other cultures, which inspired her to enter the field of community health. Being able to advocate for adolescent well-being is what made her want to join the prevention team. When Erika isn’t working, you can find her at yoga, on the soccer field, in the dance studio, or on a hike. Erika is excited to utilize her creativity to find ways to connect with her communities and to promote the Prescription Playbook to parents, coaches, trainers, and adolescents.
Allison Bautista
Meet our Digital Marketing Specialist! Allison graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a major of Graphic Design. She excited to be on the team to spread positive messaging to make a difference on the youth and their communities.
Ana Nikolic
Ana Graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She is passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives and is excited to be a part of HPP to help create healthy changes in the community. Outside of work, Ana loves photography, running, and traveling to different places.
Sarah Grunden
Sarah Grunden graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 with a Master's in Public Health. Sarah has always been passionate about community health and improving health outcomes. She is excited to have the opportunity to help the emerging adult population make healthier choices to reach their fullest potential. In her free time, Sarah enjoys taking walks with her husband and their Golden Retriever, Finley.
Leah Naraine
Meet Leah our Prevention Specialist working with communities through IL HPP and Rx Playbook initiatives in Central Illinois! She graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor's degree where she majored in Biology and Health, Science, Society, and Policy. Leah is passionate and committed to providing crucial resources for health lifestyle choices to diverse communities. When Leah isn't working you can find her baking, reading a book, crocheting, and trying food from a diverse array of restaurants!
