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Dr. Laura Byrd and Corey Warner cut a ribbon with the Lakehawk Beach Volleyball team to celebrate the opening of the Lake Jem Farms Beach Court Complex.
Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) proudly announced the grand opening of its newest addition to the athletics program—the Lake Jem Farms Beach Court Complex. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on March 20, 2025, to celebrate this milestone, bringing together students, faculty, staff, donors, and community leaders.
The new home of the Lakehawks’ Beach Volleyball team features six championship-quality courts that are sanctioned by USA Volleyball.
“At Lake-Sumter State College, we take pride in fostering an environment where students can achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Laure Byrd, Interim President of LSSC. “This new facility is a testament to our commitment to excellence in athletics and education, offering our beach volleyball student-athletes a premier space to train and compete.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the official name of the Lake Jem Farms Beach Court Complex, in recognition of the generosity of Corey Warner and Lake Jem Farms. Their support through the LSSC Foundation made the construction of this state-of-the-art facility possible at no cost to the College.
“This facility will have a lasting impact on our students, the athletics program, and the broader community,” said Dr. Byrd. “We are grateful for Corey Warner’s extraordinary vision and generosity in making this dream a reality.”
The District Board of Trustees approved this naming of this facility in recognition of Lake Jem Farms’ contributions at their meeting on March 19.
“This facility is amazing and it’s a huge commitment,” said Trustee Tim Morris, also a Lake County Commissioner. “Thank you Corey and Lake Jem Farms for your commitment to this College and to growing our community and students.”
“This isn’t just one of the best beach volleyball facilities in Florida—it’s one of the top in the country,” said Coach Jay Miller, Interim Athletics Director. “I have no doubt that we’ll be welcoming high-level tournaments and showcasing our incredible student-athletes on a national stage.”
Following the remarks, student-athletes and special guests participated in the official ribbon-cutting, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Lakehawks.
The LSSC Women’s Beach Volleyball team is in its sixth season and competes in the FCSAA and NJCAA. The team has two top 5 finishes in the NJCAA National Championship, finished twice as the runner up in the state championships, and produced 8 All-American student-athletes.