A new beach volleyball complex at Lake-Sumter State College is already making an impact on campus and across the region, boosting student engagement, expanding athletic opportunities and drawing increased attention to the college’s Leesburg campus.

The Lake Jem Farms Beach Court Complex, a six-court championship-level facility, was fully funded and donated by Corey and Lisette Warner, founders of the Warner Family Sports Foundation and owners of Lake Jem Farms.

College officials say the addition has sparked significant interest both on campus and beyond.

“We are grateful to Corey Warner and the Warner Foundation for this amazing support,” says Dr. Laura Byrd of Lake-Sumter State College. “A number of people are reaching out to ask to have regional presence on campus.”

That growing interest will be on display in April, when the National Junior College Athletic Association is set to host a regional conference at the college, marking a major step forward in the school’s athletic visibility.

The new courts are also helping drive participation. Byrd says more students are showing interest in joining the beach volleyball program, strengthening recruitment and creating more opportunities for competition.

Beyond athletics, the project is influencing broader plans for campus growth. College leaders are exploring the potential for student housing and expanded campus life offerings, momentum Byrd attributes in part to the energy surrounding the new facility.

“The new courts brought a bit of a culture shift in what we want to see happen at the college,” she says. “But it also makes a difference for the community, for the kids who play, and for the coaches. Having the championship-quality facility available opens up so much access. The team no longer has to leave campus for practice, no traveling for conferences, and the players can now play on their home courts.”

Leaders with the Warner Family Sports Foundation say the project reflects a broader vision to invest in youth sports and community development throughout Central Florida.

“The Lake Jem Farms Beach Court Complex reflects exactly what we aim to do across Central Florida — create access, elevate opportunities and strengthen communities through sports,” says Cindi Mainer, executive director of the foundation. “This is a model of the kind of impact we plan to expand throughout the region, ensuring that young athletes, families and schools have the resources they need to thrive.”

As the facility continues to attract attention and participation, college officials say the courts represent more than just a new athletic venue — they signal a growing future for both the campus and the community it serves.

Photos by Nicole Hamel