By Kyle Coppola
Leesburg High Student has Tasted Success—and He’s Hungry for More
Jeremy Lacey
Jeremy Lacey knew he belonged the moment he entered the Leesburg High School (LHS) weight room.
“From the start, it felt like home,” Jeremy recalls. “Everyone was in their zone, pushing each other to be better. That sense of camaraderie is what Coach (Josh) Boyer has built here, and it’s why Leesburg consistently competes at the highest level.”
Jeremy knows about top-notch competition. He’s the 2024 state weightlifting champion in the traditional 119-pound class.
He’s come a long way since stepping into the electric atmosphere of the LHS weightlifting program as a sophomore. It didn’t take long for Jeremy to feel he belonged to the brotherhood created by Coach Boyer’s leadership.
“Coach Boyer has created a once-in-a-lifetime program,” teammate Savion Latimore says. “We owe so much of our success to his vision and the way he pushes us to be our best.”
Inspired by Savion, Jeremy has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
His success is rooted in discipline, a supportive network and a deep appreciation for his family’s influence, particularly his parents and Uncle Joseph.
“My parents are my foundation,” Jeremy says. “They’ve sacrificed so much for me, and they’re my biggest fans. My dad is always in my corner, and my mom helps me fuel my body the right way.”
His father, Jeremy Lacey, Sr., played a pivotal role by instilling a tireless work ethic and providing guidance at their home gym. His mother, Tiffany Lacey, serves as his personal dietitian and ensures he maintains a balanced and natural diet with home-grown food from his grandfather’s farm.
“The natural, farm-grown food I’ve had access to makes a huge difference,” Jeremy says. “People often ask how I stay in shape, and it’s about keeping things natural and simple.”
Winning the state championship last year only fueled Jeremy’s hunger for more. He’s set his sights on breaking the 119-lb. state bench press record, which has stood since 1998. For Jeremy, it’s not just about personal accolades but also about setting the standard for his team and leaving a legacy for the future of the program.
“Standing on that podium with the state championship medal around my neck was humbling, but it also lit a fire,” Jeremy reflects. “The journey doesn’t stop here. I want to prove to myself and my teammates that hard work pays off.
Jeremy’s achievements extend far beyond weightlifting. A product of a college-educated household, he has excelled academically with a 3.7 GPA and is committed to Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he plans to study Political Science and Pre-Law.
He has no doubt that Leesburg High has prepared him for future success.
“Leesburg High is diverse, and that’s a beautiful thing,” Jeremy notes. “Coming from a strong household, I’ve been able to grow alongside classmates from all walks of life. It’s shown me the resilience of people who face challenges I’ve never had to experience.”
As an African American, Jeremy Lacey takes immense pride in defying stereotypes and representing his community with excellence. He credits his parents for fostering an environment that promoted education, communication and a strong sense of self.
“My parents always emphasized education and communication, and it’s made a huge difference in how I present myself,” Jeremy shares.
At Leesburg High, he’s embraced opportunities. For instance, he attended a rigorous American Legion academic session on law and government, where he impressed participants with his knowledge and poise.
“People often judge Title I schools or assume certain things about students from my background, but I’m proud to break those molds and show the world the intelligence, talent and determination that comes from Leesburg,” Jeremy says.
Jeremy believes his ability to bridge different worlds by balancing his roots with a strong academic foundation makes him a leader in the gym as well as a voice for those often underestimated.
Jeremy says the most rewarding part of weightlifting isn’t the individual accolades—it’s the team bond.
“It’s easy to talk about myself, but I want to focus on ‘we,’” he says. “Weightlifting may be individual, but our success comes from growing as a team. That’s what makes this program special.”
Jeremy’s advice to aspiring weightlifters is simple yet profound: “The work you put in is what you’ll get back. Trust the process, stay consistent and surround yourself with people who lift you up.”
As Jeremy prepares for his next chapter at FAU, he remains a shining example of what dedication, humility and community can achieve. Whether he’s breaking records or inspiring others with his words, Jeremy Lacey is a champion in every sense of the word.
Photos: Nicole Hamel and Provided
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
