Our Mission

Progress In Motion

DVLP Athletics was founded in St. Louis, Missouri with one belief at its core: every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—deserves access to organized sports, athletics, and fitness. 

This guiding principle shapes every product we create, every initiative we build, and every community we support.

At DVLP Athletics, our slogan “Progress in motion” reflects more than physical movement—it represents growth, healing, self-development, and the belief that becoming stronger mentally and physically is a right, not a privilege. Our apparel is designed through this lens. Every piece is built with thoughtful detail, all-day comfort, and performance-driven construction—created for athletes by athletes. Whether someone is stepping into the gym for the first time or training at an elite level, DVLP apparel is made to meet them where they are and support where they’re going.

DVLP Athletics was founded by Connor Juelfs, a retired athlete from St. Louis, Missouri, whose life was profoundly shaped by sports and fitness. After years of competing and training, Connor realized how essential access to athletics had been—not just for physical strength, but for mental health. Through personal battles with anxiety, depression, and alcoholism, fitness became his turning point. It provided clarity, stability, and a natural way to manage stress. It became the catalyst that transformed his life and mindset—empowering him to rebuild, refocus, and re-emerge stronger. This experience fueled the creation of DVLP Athletics and our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the same life-changing benefits.

Unfortunately, access to sports and fitness is far from equal. In low-income communities, the gap is significant:

  • 1 in 3 children living in poverty do not participate in organized sports due to cost barriers.

  • Youth sports participation has dropped nearly 25% in under-served communities over the last decade.

  • Schools in low-income districts are 60% more likely to lack updated athletic facilities or structured fitness programs.

  • Children who engage in sports are 10 times more likely to experience improved mental health and academic performance, yet millions have no access to these programs.

These aren’t just numbers—they represent real kids, real teenagers, and real adults missing out on opportunities that could change their lives.

DVLP Athletics exists to help close this gap. Through future charitable initiatives, partnerships with schools, and direct investment into under-served neighborhoods, we aim to build fitness spaces, support youth sports programs, and provide apparel and equipment to communities that need it most. Progress begins with access—and access starts with us.This is why we are currently donating 15% of profits to charities and organizations that support these initiatives, with future plans to create our own DVLP 501(c)(3) so we can have a stronger impact on community development and resource allocation.

This is more than a brand. It’s a movement. It’s progress in motion.

Are you passionate about fitness and looking to become a part of something greater? Visit our "Brand Ambassador" page or email support@dvlp-athletics.com to see how you can get involved!