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“Sports is one of those niches that people don’t always want to wear jerseys,” Eclarin said. “Maybe I want to wear something under a blazer because I am going to a cool work event, but a jersey and a blazer doesn’t quite fit.”

Eclarin and Kopp felt that Ohio would be an ideal location for the shop because of the love they both share for Kent.  

“Our first location being in Kent was both a business decision to get our sea legs,” Eclarin said, “proof of concept, while also loving this town and having the connection to �鶹��ѡand all that goes with it. We wanted to bring it to a college town because this concept has to work in a place where sports matter.”

Kent State’s history with women’s sports resonated deeply with the State Champs co-founders.

“�鶹��ѡhas a really strong connection to women’s sports,” Eclarin said. “They’ve done a lot to bring women’s sports to the collegiate level.”

State Champs stays connected to �鶹��ѡin numerous ways, including being a �鶹��ѡcommunity connect partner and providing benefits for the Kent community. And they’re putting their money where their mouths are.

“We definitely want to call to action women’s sports. So, if you bring in your ticket from one of the games, we’ll give you half off your drink, just so people get excited to go [to the game] and then come here after,” Kopp said.  

State Champs places an emphasis on giving back, whether that is through their streetwear brand collaborations or donating to organizations like the Trevor Project and Athlete Ally.  

“We’re not performative in anything that we do. We have a ‘why’ and substance behind all of it,” Eclarin said.  

Looking ahead to the future, State Champs plans to open more locations as well as a facility that would further blend sports and coffee, all while continuing to grow the brand.  

“We’ve had multiple cities reach out to bring State Champs there,” Eclarin said, “Kent’s first but not last.”