Key Takeaways
- IMG Academy will launch swimming as its 12th sport program, its third new sport in 2025 following wrestling and boys volleyball
- The new Aquatic Center will measure 9,345 square feet with a 10-lane pool measuring 54 by 25 meters, larger than Olympic standard
- Groundbreaking is scheduled for November 20, 2025, with construction beginning December 1 and facility opening expected in March 2027
- The investment is described as one of the largest in IMG Academy’s history
- The academy is recruiting a Director of Swimming to guide facility development and program creation
New Competition Pool Exceeds Olympic Dimensions
IMG Academy announced the launch of a swimming program and construction of an Aquatic Center at its Bradenton, Florida campus. The 9,345-square-foot facility will feature a 10-lane pool measuring 54 by 25 meters. An Olympic-size pool measures 50 by 25 meters.
Groundbreaking is set for November 20, with construction starting December 1, 2025. The facility is expected to open in March 2027. According to the announcement, the investment represents one of the largest in IMG Academy’s history.
Mike Milliron, Chief Operating Officer of IMG Academy Campus, stated: “This expansion represents a one-of-one opportunity to enhance our unrivaled student-athlete experience only found at IMG Academy. The addition of our Aquatic Center and swimming program not only addresses the growing demand for aquatic sports but also strengthens our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.”
Third Sport Added to IMG Academy in 2025
Swimming becomes IMG Academy’s 12th sport program and marks the third new sport announcement in 2025. The academy previously added wrestling and boys volleyball earlier this year.
The facility is designed to serve multiple purposes beyond daily training for boarding school students. According to the announcement, the Aquatic Center will enable IMG Academy to host meets, camps, and community programs.
Brian Nash, Vice President of Athletics, said: “Breaking ground on the Aquatic Center will be a major milestone for IMG Academy. Our focus is on fostering the growth of every student-athlete, athletically, academically, and personally. By expanding programs in Wrestling, Volleyball, Softball, and now Swimming, we are creating more opportunities for student-athletes to develop their skills, push their limits, and reach their fullest potential.”
Director of Swimming Position Open During Construction Phase
IMG Academy is actively searching for a Director of Swimming to lead the new program. The position will involve guiding facility development from the ground up, according to the announcement.
The director will be responsible for ensuring student-athletes have access to resources, guidance, and opportunities both in and out of the pool. The hiring timeline means the director will be involved during the construction period before the March 2027 opening.
The announcement describes the program as one that will “develop elite swimmers through world-class coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and year-round training opportunities.”
Facility Details and Training Specifications
The pool’s design includes 10 lanes measuring 54 by 25 meters total. According to the announcement, the design will offer flexibility for training and competitions and provide an Olympic-caliber training experience.
The facility will serve as the home of IMG Academy Swimming and function as a training destination. The announcement states it will provide student-athletes with access to premier resources while positioning IMG Academy as a world leader in sports education.
IMG Academy operates a boarding school and camps at its Bradenton campus, along with online coaching through IMG Academy+ and online college recruiting services through NCSA and SportsRecruits.
via: IMG
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