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 location officially opened on March 17, 2024 in Kent, Ohio.
The Story of State Champs
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.
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 we do and are constantly inspired by the Ohio sports scene.
The Location
Kent is a college town just outside of Cleveland that feels like a little town in a big town kind of way. Kent's proximity to Cleveland and college town atmosphere make it a perfect fit for our first location.
The Brand
State Champs is more than a cup of coffee. 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.
Some call it aesthetic. We call it a vibe.
Welcome to the Group Chat
From our logo to the coffee shop menu, to our merch, to your cup of coffee, to our Instagram Stories, to our team...everything we do is aimed to make you feel included, welcomed, and as if you're part of the group chat.
Games on, come on in
Coffee. Sports. Vibes.
State Champs is a warm and welcoming environment for all. We have a strict no a**holes policy and have curated a space where folks can be themselves over a cup of coffee while talking NFL Free Agency, Transfer Portal, or the weather (big topic in Ohio tbh).
Like sports? Cool. Not a sports person? Also cool.
No offensive Dan Marino
Whether you have a favorite team, just a casual fan, not even a little bit of a fan – you are welcome here. No one will quiz you on sports facts or who was the Dolphins starting quarterback in 1994 – (Sorry, Dan!).
