D1 Training Expands to Fort Wayne with New Athletic-Focused Fitness Facility
Matt Dressler, a former collegiate basketball player and longtime coach, has opened a D1 Training franchise in Fort Wayne, bringing professional-grade athletic training to the community through science-backed programs for all ages.
D1 Training, a fitness concept utilizing athletic-based training principles, has opened a new location in Fort Wayne at 9307 Illinois Rd. The facility employs sports-science backed training regimens led by certified trainers to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals.
Local owner Matt Dressler, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, joins a roster of franchisees that includes professional athletes. Dressler has maintained his passion for athletics through over 20 years of coaching at high school and college levels, most recently serving as assistant boys' basketball coach at Canterbury High School, helping lead them to a State Championship in 2024.
"Some of my best memories from college come from being part of a team that worked hard, overcame challenges, and grew stronger together," Dressler said. "That's what I see in D1 Training. It's not just about individual goals — it's about building a community where athletes and coaches support each other and grow together."
The expansion represents the growing demand for professional-grade athletic training facilities that cater to both youth and adult athletes. D1 Training offers four age-based programs: Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 Adult. Each program is based on five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down.
Beyond group workouts, the facility provides group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with certified coaches. The training methodology, which can be explored further at https://www.d1training.com/fort-wayne-sw/, emphasizes whole-body training without fads or shortcuts.
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, D1 Training has grown to impact 30,000 athletes nationwide with 150+ locations and 100+ more franchises in development. The company's franchise opportunities are detailed at https://www.d1franchise.com/, reflecting its status as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation.
The Fort Wayne location's opening signifies the continued expansion of professional athletic training facilities into secondary markets, providing access to high-quality training previously available primarily in major metropolitan areas. This development supports both youth athletic development and adult fitness goals through structured, community-oriented programming.