Lake Highland Preparatory School is buzzing with anticipation as construction for the brand-new Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Center is underway. The facility, which will serve as a hub for student-athletes, is set to transform the way Highlanders train, recover, and succeed in their sports. For a school that prides itself on academic and athletic excellence, the addition of this center represents a new chapter of growth and opportunity. The new facility will include advanced resources designed to support athletes in every stage of their training. Weight rooms, recovery spaces, and specialized areas for injury prevention will be at the heart of the building.
LHP President Jim McIntyre explained, “Lake Highland is deeply grateful to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute for its visionary naming sponsorship of the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Center. Our institutions share similar missions and values. We both strive for excellence each day as we serve our communities. Trust is at the heart of our relationships.” Therefore Lake Highland is very excited to partner with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute to forge this exciting new future for student athletes.
For Highlander athletes, access to this kind of care and technology means more than just better performance; it provides peace of mind. Athletes often balance intense training schedules with academics, so the ability to access on-campus sports medicine professionals makes their routines more manageable. However the facility may have a negative impact during construction as Sebastian Adam, grade 9, Varsity Lacrosse Player shared how, “During the construction we won’t have a field to practice on”. So although the new building will no doubt be very helpful to LHP, the construction process might take a toll.
What sets this athletic center apart is its strong partnership with Orlando Health. This collaboration ensures that Lake Highland athletes will be supported by professionals who are not only trained in sports medicine but also connected to a leading medical institution. The facility will be equipped with innovative tools such as injury assessment technology and individualized recovery plans, allowing student-athletes to return to play quickly and safely after setbacks. The excitement isn’t limited to athletes. It extends to coaches, families, and the broader LHP community. Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute President and CEO, Michael Jablonski, is excited to be part of this meaningful project stating that, “This marks the continuation of our deep-rooted partnership with LHPS and longstanding support of the school’s excellent athletic programs. We’re proud to name this facility as it will elevate the competition and sports spaces for LHP athletes and visiting students from across the region. We know that participating in sports is a great way to build healthy habits beginning at a young age, and we are grateful to be part of this effort”.
Additionally, parents are also thrilled about the added safety and resources. With highly qualified staff and a direct partnership with Orlando Health, families can feel confident that their children are receiving top-tier care without needing to leave campus. In a competitive sports environment, this reassurance is invaluable. The new Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Center will not only serve current students but also attract future Highlanders. Families looking at Lake Highland will see a school deeply committed to nurturing both the academic and athletic sides of student life. The facility becomes a symbol of the school’s dedication to helping students reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field.
Construction is expected to bring energy and momentum throughout the year as students watch the building come to life. Every passing day brings the Highlander community closer to a resource that will shape the future of athletics at Lake Highland. There’s no doubt about it; the excitement is real, and the possibilities are endless. As the new athletic center rises, so does the anticipation of all it will bring to the Highlander family.
