IMG Academy Launches Girls' Softball Program Led by Former Olympian
IMG Academy in Bradenton is preparing to officially launch its girls' softball program with brand-new fields and its first recruits. On January 10, the academy hosted an inaugural prospect day under the guidance of former Olympian Joey Lye. Ten prospective players participated in warm-ups, fielding practice, and drills on the newly constructed fields.
The program will officially debut in fall 2025 and have its first competitive season scheduled for spring 2026. Camps will be held in preparation for the inaugural season. The structure will mirror IMG's football program, which features both a national team and a high school varsity team.
Lye, a bronze medalist for Canada in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, leads the program with a focus on high performance and holistic development. Two players have already enrolled: junior catcher/utility Bree McHughes from Oklahoma and sophomore pitcher McKenna Cassidy from Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Facilities continue to be developed, with batting cages, locker rooms, and office spaces expected to be completed over the next year. Turf and grass fields have been included to provide diverse training conditions for the athletes.