IMG Academy expands Florida campus with new sports program led by an Olympic medalist
IMG Academy, the mega sports training campus in Florida, is expanding.
The academy announced this week that it’s adding a softball program. The addition marks the eighth female sport to be added at IMG Academy. In 2023, the school introduced volleyball.
To coincide with Wednesday’s announcement, IMG Academy is beginning construction of its softball facilities, which includes batting cages, locker room, office space and four softball fields.
IMG is targeting the fall semester in 2025 as the formal start of the fledgling softball program, according to a news release.
“Introducing softball to our sport program offerings is a game-changing milestone for IMG Academy,” IMG Academy chief operating officer Mike Milliron said. “I am incredibly proud of our team’s relentless dedication to enhancing the experience for female student-athletes, broadening accessibility and creating new opportunities. This investment truly embodies our purpose to empower even more student-athletes to win their future.”
School leaders named Joey Lye, who won a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics with Canada, as the academy’s first softball director.
Her previous college coaching experience includes head coaching stops at Bucknell University, Lebanon Valley College and Stevenson University. Lye is currently an assistant coach and the mental performance and team culture lead for Softball Canada, the release said.
“I am incredibly honored to be named IMG Academy’s first softball director,” Lye said. ”This opportunity allows me to bring my passion for the game and my commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes to a place globally known for excellence in sports education. My experience with Softball Canada, coupled with my background in coaching, playing and personal development, will enable me to build and lead a program empowering softball student-athletes to win their future at every level.”
