Our Story
For sports fans, by sports fans.
From dream to reality
State Champs as we know it today began in the Summer of 2023, but the idea for State Champs dates back to early 2009.
Prior to State Champs, Ally spent her time at tech startups doing all things design, marketing, and product management and Cassy successfully built and ran sales teams and operations at a major retail group.
They both had dreams of bringing a third space to their communities. Ally paired her love for coffee, apparel, and sports with Cassy's passion for community initiatives, giving back, and her love for cooking to create what ultimately became State Champs. They leaned on the sports community Ally had been fostering since she first tweeted "The Dallas Cowboys are my most toxic relationship" to confirm this was actually a good idea and something people wanted. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive so they quickly went to work to bring State Champs to life.
In the Summer of 2023, the brand was officially in the wild across various events, merch drops, and pop ups. The first State Champs incubation ran for 6 months in Kent, Ohio with plans for expansion in 2025.
This is State Champs
Togethxr Approved
Featured in Togethxr’s “Watch Women’s Sports Guide” – a list of Togethxr Approved list of establishments championing women’s sports
The 2024 Women's Final Four
Partnered with Greater CLE Sports Commission and the NCAA for the Women’s Final Four in Cleveland in April
Bring Women's Soccer to Ohio Campaign
Partnered with Olive & York for a limited edition jersey to bring professional women’s soccer to Ohio.
1999 Women's World Cup 25th Anniversary
We are proud to have honored this pivotal moment in women’s sports with a special collection dedicated to the team and the fans they have inspired.
The Story of State Champs – to date
The Mission
Ally and Cassy set out to create the first of its kind sports coffee shop and streetwear brand that merges lifestyle apparel, community, great coffee, a one-of-a-kind experience, and their love for sports – wherever feels welcome and included.
The Inspiration
State Champs has always been inspired by Ohio's love for its sports teams and the communities it fosters. Ohio runs deep in all that State Champs does and are constantly inspired by the Ohio sports scene and the fandom that surrounds them.
The Incubation Period
Ally and Cassy successfully complete their incubation with plans for expansion in 2025. In <6 months, the duo raised $1000 for The Trevor Project, donated books and coffee to local schools, and championed for equality in local sports.
The Brand
State Champs is more than a t-shirt. It's community. From charitable and community-driven events to special collaborations emphasizing or highlighting a moment, athlete, or special event to watch parties and more.
Some call it aesthetic. We call it a vibe.
Welcome to the Group Chat
From our logo to our merch, to our pop ups, to our Instagram Stories, to our content...everything we do is aimed to make you feel included, welcomed, and as if you're part of the group chat.
