Beau Sydes
I have always had a strong inner drive and competitive spirit. As a child, I was a competitive gymnast and an elite-level springboard and platform diver. I attended Southern Methodist University on an athletic scholarship for diving, earning my B.A. in psychology and a master’s in liberal arts. GO MUSTANGS!
After college, I pursued a career as a professional acrobat, performing for Disney, Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean, and more. You may have even seen me on the big screen doing stunts in Step Up Revolution or performing at then President Obama’s Inaugural Ball.
For 10 years, I traveled the world as a head coach for Cirque du Soleil, overseeing the performance and development of elite athletes in productions such as Quidam, Totem, and Drawn to Life. My experience with Cirque reinforced my belief that human potential is truly limitless. Now, as part of NextGen Academy, I’m excited to help students discover their own potential and push beyond what they ever thought possible.
My favorite part of being a NextGen Guide is helping students break through mental barriers and achieve things they never thought were possible. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, excelling in a competition, or building confidence in themselves, I love seeing that moment when a student realizes, ‘I can do this.’
Having spent years coaching elite athletes and performers, I know firsthand that success is as much about mindset as it is about skill. At NextGen, I get to instill that same belief in our students, pushing them to tap into their true potential, both in and out of the classroom.
Hardu Virks-Lee
With a solid foundation in strength training and conditioning, I bring years of experience in high-performance training and athletic development. My career began in Division 1 lacrosse and expanded to coaching at four Division 1 universities, contributing to 29 conference championships. I’ve also had the privilege of training professional athletes in the NFL, MLB, and NBA—an experience that led to my induction into the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach’s Association.
Beyond the world of athletics, my work has extended to training high school athletes, collaborating with the U.S. Army Special Forces, and working alongside medical professionals—experiences that have reinforced my ability to adapt and excel in a variety of high-stakes environments. At NextGen Academy, I’m passionate about helping students build strength, confidence, and resilience on and off the field.
I continue to play lacrosse in a co-ed league in Austin and love staying active outdoors, whether fly fishing, snowboarding, or hiking. I also have a deep love for music and am currently learning to play the ukulele. What I love most about being a Guide at NextGen is the opportunity to help students develop strength in every sense—physically, mentally, and emotionally. My background in high-performance training has shown me true growth comes from pushing limits, embracing challenges, and building resilience. Whether a tough workout, mastering a new skill, or stepping outside their comfort zone, I love watching students discover what they’re capable of. Seeing them break barriers, gain confidence, and apply that mindset on and off the field is what makes this role so fulfilling. At NextGen, I get to help shape not just stronger students, but stronger individuals ready to take on anything.
Josh Goldstein
After receiving my bachelor’s in applied math and music performance and a master’s in music performance, I moved to Las Vegas to work for Tesla’s solar engineering program. Following this, I took one of the biggest leaps of my life and pursued professional golf. This was a huge life goal of mine, and I narrowly missed qualifying for the PGA Tour right before the onset of COVID. This experience taught me the significance of perseverance, discipline, and setting high standards.
I have always been a competitive gamer, especially in the realm of World of Warcraft, where I led a guild ranked in the Top 100 globally—an experience that sharpened my leadership and strategic thinking skills. My passion for high-level performance, whether in sports, academics, or gaming, is what drew me to NextGen Academy, and I’m excited to help students push their own limits and achieve success.
What I love most about being a NextGen Guide is mentoring students in strategic thinking—teaching them how to approach challenges like a high-level competitor. Whether it’s gaming, problem-solving, or personal growth, I enjoy helping students break down complex situations, make calculated decisions, and push their skills to the next level. Having played both professional sports and competitive games, I know that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about preparation, adaptability, and mindset. Seeing students start to think critically, take ownership of their progress, and build confidence in their abilities is what makes this experience so meaningful to me.