IMG Academy is expanding.
The Ascenders announced Wednesday they are 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, the academy’s first softball director.