Former Coach and Father of Three Opens State-of-the-Art Fitness Facility for Youth and Adult Athletes
D1 Training, a leading fitness enrichment concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training, has opened a new location in Niceville at 4544 Hwy. 20 E. on 12 May 2025. The new group fitness facility employs a sports-science backed training regimen led by certified trainers to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals.
Steven Killebrew will join a roster of impressive existing franchisees, including professional athletes such as Kylie Fitts and Jordan Gay. Additional franchise partners include notable figures such as Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Tim Tebow and Michael Oher.
Killebrew, a University of Florida graduate, began his career at Elgin Air Force base before spending two years in Africa as a missionary with Youth For Christ. After returning, he became a math teacher and soccer coach at Niceville High School, blending his passion for education with athletics. Later, he moved into franchising, joining his wife and the rest of the Costa Family in McDonald’s, where he honed his business skills. When considering his next venture, Killebrew wanted to align his career with his lifelong passion for sports and youth development. Seeing how dedicated his three active children are in athletics, Killebrew was especially drawn to D1 Training’s commitment to helping young athletes reach their potential, making it the perfect next chapter.
“When I started thinking about what was next, I knew I wanted to own a business where people could come together to support their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” said Killebrew. “With D1, athletes not only have the opportunity to train toward their athletic goals, but they also build the confidence needed to succeed in all aspects of life beyond sports.” D1 Niceville opened in May with close to 200 members of adults and youth. “I love the sense of community and team that has already developed in the adult and youth classes,” said Killebrew. Speaking of his staff, he stated “People are ultimately what make the D1 experience come to life. I am so grateful for the level of knowledge and talent here on the D1 Niceville team led by General Manager Dennis Ealy and Head Coach Cotten who will positively impact every adult and youth athlete that comes through the doors.”
D1 Training offers four age-based programs including Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 Adult. Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 Training offers team training, semi-private and one-on-one training with world-class coaches. The goal is simple: to continue to train athletes who are dedicated to their sport or fitness goals, regardless of age or athletic background.
“Steven is the ideal candidate to bring the D1 Training experience to Niceville,” said the brand’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Murphy. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the D1 family and are confident in his ability to show the Niceville area what they’ve been missing out on. D1 is a one-of-a-kind fitness experience that’s built around the individual and meant to help people meet their athletic goals. Our strong network of franchisees embodies our core values to bring the D1 Training vision to life, and we know Steven will do just that in Niceville and its surrounding communities.”
Strategically expanding across the nation through franchising, D1 Training has more than 100 performance centers open with over 250 additional locations in various stages of development.
For more information, visit https://www.d1training.com/niceville/ or call (850) 605-8431.
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