Meet Champ Barlow | 3P Athletics – Youth Athletic Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Champ Barlow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Champ, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After my professional basketball career ended, I knew I wanted to stay connected to the sport I loved. I had to determine what role I was willing to take and how I could make the biggest impact. I also knew I didn’t want to work for someone else, especially when I believed I could create something better on my own.
I debated between coaching and training but ultimately chose training because I wanted to develop closer, more personal relationships with athletes. I wanted to be the reason they improved—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and even academically. I wanted to be the person helping shape them into better human beings overall.
I gave myself a roadmap: get a job with the top fitness company in Atlanta, get certified, master the anatomy of the body, learn client acquisition, sales, prospecting, and translate my basketball knowledge into teachable, age-appropriate content for athletes from age 5 to professionals.
After three years of intense preparation, I was ready. I launched 3P Athletics—and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been 12 incredible years.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The most important factor behind my success—and the success of 3P Athletics—is my genuine love for helping athletes achieve their goals and mentoring them through that journey. My diverse background in sports, travel, education, and life in both urban and suburban settings has given me a unique ability to connect with a wide range of athletes and families.
Building 3P Athletics took time. One of the biggest breakthroughs came when I accepted that I was no longer a professional basketball player. Letting go of that identity allowed me to shift my focus entirely to the development of others. That mindset change helped me grow the brand—launching merchandise, attending events, joining the Chamber of Commerce, and expanding our presence on social media. From there, the brand truly took off. I’ve continued to grow, develop, and push 3P Athletics to the forefront of youth athletic development in the city.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning
🏀 Pickup basketball at Lifetime Fitness

Lunch
🍔 Krog Street Market
Grab dumplings, burgers, or tacos. Walk the BeltLine after for murals and city views.

Afternoon
🚲 Cruise the BeltLine to Ponce City Market
Browse shops or hit the rooftop for mini golf, drinks, and skyline views.

Morning
🌳 Piedmont Park
Chill or jog with skyline views.

Brunch
🍳 South City Kitchen (Midtown)
Southern classics like chicken & waffles or shrimp & grits.

Afternoon
🌿 Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Quick scenic hike with waterfalls to reset.

Night
🎉 Dinner + party at Rock Steady ATL
Afro-Caribbean food, DJ vibes, upscale but energetic crowd.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to express our deepest gratitude to every client, athlete, and supporter who has been a part of this journey. Your belief in our mission and commitment to growth has meant the world to us.

To the parents, families, and athletes—thank you for your unwavering trust, time, and dedication. Your support is the foundation of everything we do.

A special thank you to Darrel for giving me my first opportunity to launch this dream out of X5. And to Thomas—thank you for opening the door to exponential growth and helping take 3P to the next level.

And to Liz—none of this would be possible without you. You’ve held it down from Day 1 and invested your heart and soul into the growth of this company. I’m beyond grateful.

Thank you ALL for 11 amazing years. Here’s to many more!

— 3P Athletics 💪🏽

Website: https://3pathleticstraining.com

Instagram: @3pathletics

Twitter: @3pathletics

Facebook: @3pathletics & @champbarlow

Youtube: @3pathletics