Fargo Athlete Ambassadors Take the Lead in Recovery & Performance
We’re extremely grateful for our 2024 Athlete Ambassadors!
How Our 2024 Athletes Used HBO, Nutrition & Mindfulness to Elevate Their Game
In 2024, Healing with Hyperbarics launched its first-ever Athlete Ambassador Program, a unique initiative designed to educate, connect, and empower local athletes – plus learn a little more about concussion treatment and other benefits of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Seven athletes from diverse sports and schools came together to learn, grow, and experience the healing potential of HBO therapy firsthand.
With the generous support of our community and sponsors, our pilot program was a huge success—and it’s only the beginning!
Here’s a look back at our incredible journey, from our first Team Huddle to our final celebration.
September 2024: Kicking Off with a Strong Start
A Clinic Tour & Presentation
Our first Team Huddle set the foundation for the program. Athletes received a full clinic tour from Clinic Director Menley Denham, and learned the 411 on hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy—how it works, what it treats, and why it’s a game-changer for athletes.
Even better? Each athlete was given:
FREE consultation with concussion testing
3 hours of HBO therapy treatments
Exclusive program swag
Food & Fuel
Mahana Fresh provided an athlete-approved meal, featuring build-your-own bowls with a variety of proteins and toppings. (Fun fact: Mahana Fresh owner, Cooper Wahlo Jr., was also a former college athlete, playing football for the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison!)
Getting Mindful & Active
Athletes participated in live voting to help:
Narrow down the official program name
Select their ambassador swag options (colors, styles and more!)
Submit questions about HBO therapy to be answered in future sessions
Mindfulness & Mobility: Allison Grippe of Yuj Yoga guided athletes through a mindfulness and stretching routine to support their mental and physical well-being. A huge thank you to Yuj Yoga for sponsoring this deeply appreciated exercise!
What the Athletes Had to Say
“The food was amazing, I have been wanting more whey since we had it! Thank you!” – Jadyn Feist
Your favorite part? “Connecting with other athletes.” – Alex Anderson
“Thank you for the mindfulness activity and the stretching! It was very beneficial! I wish we could have gone a little longer and extend the activities, especially the stretch! I absolutely loved the first session and time flew by so quickly!” –Jerica Friese
October 2024: Fueling for Performance
Nutrition-Focused Learning
Sarah Tee, RD, LRD, of Inspire Nutrition educated athletes on “Fueling for Performance”, covering:
Why protein first is key before caffeine in the morning
Pre- and post-workout nutrition tailored to different sports
Balancing protein, carbs, and fats for optimal energy and recovery
Powerful Meals
Power Plate Meals sponsored a delicious variety of protein-packed meals, including:
Chicken Pesto & Orzo Pasta
Beef Lo Mein
Keto Taco Bowl
Carolina Chicken & Potato Wedges
Cuban Bowl
Chicken Fajita Bowl
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bowl
Alexandra Jampsa, our marketing partner and owner of Create & Flourish Co., provided to-go Herbalife teas from Osgood Nutrition to give athletes a boost the following morning.
Speed Meeting
Athletes connected 1-on-1 in speed networking sessions, discussing:
Their biggest accomplishments
Why they joined the ambassador program
What they hope to gain from the experience
Any plans they have for the future
What the Athletes Had to Say
Key takeaway from the presentation? “Eating some good snacks instead of snacking, and trying to stay away from all the caffeine without having anything in my body.” – Grant Anderson
“Thank you so much for the teas! They were a great boost the next morning!” – Jerica Friese
What did you learn about nutrition for athletes? “The importance of fueling in the morning and before workouts even when you’re not hungry.” – Abbie Christen
December 2024: Strengthening Leadership & Teamwork
Understanding Your ‘Working Genius’
Connor Johnson of CoJo Consulting presented an engaging session on “Leading with Your Working Genius”, helping athletes understand their strengths, leadership styles, and individual working “geniuses”, “competencies” and “frustrations” that makeup team dynamics.
Super Fueled with Superfood
Our team at Healing with Hyperbarics sponsored a variety of sandwiches from Erbert & Gerbert’s (shoutout to the 8th Street location in Moorhead, MN!). Thanks to our friends at Nautical Bowls in Fargo, ND, the athletes also enjoyed superfood smoothie bowls – topped with granola, peanut butter, fruit, honey and more.
What the Athletes Had to Say
“Thank you so much for the delicious bowls!” – Jerica Friese
Key takeaway from the presentation? “To not expect a certain genius from someone who has that as a frustration. Delegate and find a better task for that individual instead of just telling them to do it.” – Jadyn Feist
“Thank you for providing such an educational and fun presentation [“Leading with Your Working Genius”]!” – Jerica Friese
February 2025: Alumni Celebration & Program Wrap-Up
Final Team Huddle & Swag Pickup
Athletes returned for one final Team Huddle to celebrate their journey, connect, and pick up their exclusive program sweat sets!
Super Bowl-Inspired Goodies
Athletes enjoyed Happy Joe’s pizza (think: BBQ Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch and the oh-so-classic sausage and pepperoni combo) sponsored by Healing with Hyperbarics.
And who could forget dessert? Super Bowl-themed cupcakes were provided by Create & Flourish Co.
Touchdown Trivia
In theme with Super Bowl LIX, athletes participated in National Football League (NFL) and concussion trivia (Kahoot Edition!), testing their knowledge with questions like:
How many concussions occurred in the 2024-2025 NFL season?
True or False: Concussions are not considered traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
How many concussions has Healing with Hyperbarics treated to date?
Do you know the answers to the questions above? Visit our Healing with Hyperbarics FAQs to learn more!
What’s Next? Apply for the 2025 Athlete Wellness Movement!
NEW in 2025: The program is now officially named Athlete Wellness Movement (AWM)—thanks to votes from our ambassadors and audience!
Want to be part of the next class of Athlete Ambassadors? Applications are now open for the 2025 program. This is your chance to:
Learn how to recover faster & train smarter with HBOT
Connect with like-minded athletes across different sports
Gain exclusive mentorship, training & resources
We can’t wait to grow this program even bigger in 2025! Huge thanks to our athletes, sponsors, and community partners for making this possible.