our coaches
driven by science. fueled by dedication.
Lou Hernandez
Sports Performance Manager
Lou has worked as a strength and conditioning coach for over 30 years in D1 universities and the NFL, most recently serving as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Illinois. His programs have helped bring bowl game victories to the Fighting Illini and championships to the University of North Carolina.
Lou has also served in strength and conditioning roles for the University of Houston, University of Florida and the New York Jets. He has trained basketball MVPs, Olympic medalists and professional baseball players.
In his free time, Lou likes to workout, run, walk and enjoy time with his family.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
University of Houston. BS in Exercise Science
University of Houston. MEd in Exercise and Health Related Fitness
CSCCa Master Strength and Conditioning Coach
USA Olympic Weightlifting Federation Club Coach, Level 1
National Strength and Conditioning Association Member
U.S. Power Lifting Federation Member
CPR / First Aid
SPECIALTIES:
Strength and Conditioning
Sports Performance
ken allen
Sports Performance Coach
As a student athlete, Ken graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and was a national medalist in Track & Field at the University of Illinois. While in school, he also achieved the highest level of the Illini Leadership Academy, focusing on helping student-athletes become leaders on and off the field, centered on the refinement of personal values to help define and sharpen leadership skills.
“I am firm believer that if you have knowledge, you should pass it on to others. I want to continue to positively impact the personal development of others, and stride to inspire those to reach their unknown potential through physical fitness.”
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
- BS in Kinesiology – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer
- Parisi Speed School, Performance Coach
- CPR/AED Certified
SPECIALTIES:
Speed & Agility Training
Strength Training
Youth Performance Training
NICK DRISKELL
Sports Performance Coach
Nick developed a passion for strength training and athletic development while playing basketball in college. This passion led to his dedication to help others become the healthiest version of themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. After earning his BS in Exercise Science, Nick began his pursuit to educate and coach. He is currently studying to achieve his Master’s in the Exercise Physiology Graduate Sequence at ISU, to further his knowledge of exercise and fitness.
Nick knows how intimidating the gym can be initially and how daunting achieving your fitness goals may seem. He realizes a supportive environment can be the difference for many people in reaching these goals and strives to provide an encouraging atmosphere. If you see Nick around don’t hesitate to ask him for help or just say hello.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
M.S. Exercise Physiology – Illinois State University
B.S. Exercise Science – Western Illinois University
CSCS
Parisi Speed School Certified
CPR/AED Certified
SPECIALTIES:
Strength and Conditioning
Athletic Development
justus kree
Sports Performance Coach
Justus found his love for fitness through being an athlete at the high school and collegiate level, serving 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, and through his drive to help others. He looks forward to assisting others to reach their own fitness goals. Currently, Justus is a student at Illinois State University studying Exercise Science.
“I am excited to work with you to break down the physical and mental barriers you have about fitness in order to reach your goals. As well as join forces with you to have an enjoyable time on your fitness journey.”
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
BS in Exercise Science- Illinois State University (Expected graduation 2024)
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
SPECIALTIES:
Functional Strength Training
Body Composition/Weight Management
Sports Performance
Tactical Fitness
Alli Trainor
Sports Performance Coach
Alli has spent a considerable amount of time in the fitness industry – both as a participant and a trainer. She has 3 years of experience in group fitness as well as weightlifting and strength training: and 1 year of experience with personal training and sports performance. Alli has a passion for strength training and helping others to obtain their health and fitness goals!
“After being involved in the health and fitness industry in one way or another most of my life, I have developed a strong passion for strength training. I believe it is my job to emphasize form in lifting and find something every single person can enjoy. A healthy and strong lifestyle looks different for every individual and I look forward to helping every person find their niche!”
Alli leads the Adult Strength/MetCon programs.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
BS in Exercise Science – Illinois State University
CrossFit-Level 1 Certificate
CPR/AED Certified
Parisi Speed School Certified
American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer
SPECIALTIES:
Strength Training
Weightlifting
Cross-Training
Track & Swimming
Dani Frietas-Thomas
Sports Performance Coach
Dani began her fitness journey with her father, a former PE teacher and sports enthusiast. She also began dancing when she was very young and that is what got her interested in the field of kinesiology and physical education. She started teaching group fitness in 2013 and has kept progressing since! In addition, Dani has experience working as a PE teacher for three years. In 2019, she fell in love with personal training and working with older adults. Throughout this last decade, her passion for fitness and health has grown in a way that she never thought was possible. She strives to keep growing in her career every day!
“I believe that taking care of yourself and listening to your body are the keys for good physical and mental health. I love to connect and help everyone that crosses my path to reach their goals and to have a better quality of life.”
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
B.S. in Exercise Science – Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)
Licensed in Physical Education
SilverSneakers Certified (Classic, Circuit, Stability)
CPR/AED Certified
SPECIALTIES:
Strength Training
Weightlifting
Water Aerobics
Morgan Edwards
Sports Performance Coach
Morgan grew up in Bloomington-Normal and found her way back to help make a difference in her community. She found her love for strength and conditioning through being an athlete. She was a 4-year varsity player at University High School and then went on to play collegiately at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she graduated with a bachelors in Exercise Science and a masters in Business Administration.
She has experience coaching collegiately for both softball and strength & conditioning. She is looking forward to making an impact and building relationships with TPC athletes.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
BS in Exercise Science – University of Illinois Springfield
Masters in Business Administration – University of Illinois Springfield
SPECIALTIES:
Strength & Conditioning
Olympic Lifting
Speed Training
Softball Hitting and Fielding
Mitch Smith
Sports Performance Coach (Hockey)
Brennan White
Sports Performance Coach
Brennan was a three-sport athlete in high school playing football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to play Quarterback at Monmouth College and was part of three Midwest Conference Championships and NCAA playoff appearances.
After graduating with a Bachelors in Exercise Science, Brennan became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. He has fitness center experience in one-on-one training and group fitness as well as sports performance training with high school quarterbacks and wide receivers.
Brennan then went on to purse his Masters in Sport Management at Illinois State University while working as a graduate assistant as the Director of Operations for the ISU Track & Field team.
He is currently the Director of NIL/Community Engagement for Illinois State University Athletics and has a passion for student-athlete development.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
- B.A. in Exercise Science – Monmouth College
- Masters in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management – Illinois State University
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
SPECIALTIES:
- Strength and Conditioning
- 1-on-1 Personal Training
- Group Fitness
- Student-Athlete Development
