D1 Training Hosts National Summit Alongside Manning Passing Academy

Where Great Coaches Are Made

D1 Training continues its commitment to enhancing the skills of coaches, franchise owners, and general managers, emphasizing the vital relationship between coaching quality and athlete performance. Recently, over 150 leaders from more than 50 D1 Training locations gathered in New Orleans to participate in the annual D1 Coach Summit, coinciding with the prestigious Manning Passing Academy (MPA). This event, hosted by football legends Peyton and Eli Manning, showcased the dedication to fostering talent and expertise within the training community.

Investing in People

"For us, performance starts with people," stated Will Bartholomew, CEO of D1 Training. By investing in their franchisees’ coaches, they are poised to enhance overall performance and athlete success. This philosophy drives the annual summit, which aims to unify coaches under the D1 brand while providing them with elite training and networking opportunities.

This year marked the 16th consecutive summit where D1 led the on-field warmup sessions for over 1,400 young football players and 40 of the nation’s top college quarterbacks. The presence of such talent, alongside NFL coaching staffs, allows D1 Training to elevate its interplay within the athletic community.

Highlights of the Summit

As part of the summit itinerary, various workshops and breakout sessions were organized, alongside engaging keynote presentations by prominent figures in the sports and fitness industries.

A particularly moving session was led by Kurt Hester, the Director of Strength and Performance at the University of Houston, who spoke passionately about perseverance during his ongoing battle against stage-four cancer. His message resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the summit's core themes of resilience and commitment.

Donald Scott, a two-time Olympic triple jumper and coach at D1 Gainesville, contributed by leading sprint and speed drills during the academy. He expressed gratitude for the experience of learning from his peers: "This was my first D1 Coach Summit, and I learned a lot about the brand and from my fellow coaches. Sharing my athletic journey was a highlight!"

Furthermore, Clif Marshall, a renowned performance coach, shared insights from his successful career, stressing the importance of mentorship and legacy in coaching. He stated, "The D1 Coach Summit had a great impact on me because I got to meet a legend in our profession – Kurt Hester. I love how he coaches with an eternal mindset."

Celebrating Excellence

As a culmination of the summit, an awards ceremony was held at the New Orleans Saints' practice facility, recognizing outstanding coaches and D1 locations across the country. These awards highlighted the exceptional work being done by coaches across various locations, enhancing the brand's presence in the fitness and athletic training arenas.

Dan Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of D1 Training, expressed the organization’s philosophy on supporting franchisee success beyond mere business systems. "True support means helping invest in their teams," Murphy remarked. The summit serves as a pivotal event, fostering a culture of excellence while preparing coaches for impactful careers in sports training.

Continuing the Momentum

As D1 Training commemorates surpassing 150 franchise locations, the brand remains firm in its mission to redefine athletic training. With the competitive landscape of youth sports evolving rapidly, the demand for quality training environments is more critical than ever. D1 Training provides both young athletes and adults with programs designed to hone their skills and achieve their fitness goals.

For those interested in exploring franchise opportunities or learning more about the innovative training approaches of D1 Training, visit D1franchise.com. Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew in Nashville, D1 Training serves over 30,000 athletes, with a rapidly growing nationwide presence, setting the standard in the fitness industry for comprehensive and athlete-centered training.