Key Takeaways
- Indian River State College and USA Team Handball have formed a strategic partnership to establish a national team training presence on the Treasure Coast.
- The partnership is supported by Play Treasure Coast, The Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie Public Schools.
- The Westwood Academy Gym will be available for training and programming, and future Olympians are expected to relocate to the region for training.
- The partnership aims to create a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics and provide invaluable learning opportunities for students.
- The Los Angeles Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028 are a key target for the partnership.
Introduction to the Partnership
Indian River State College and USA Team Handball have formally launched a strategic partnership to establish a sustained national team training presence on the Treasure Coast. The alliance is supported by Play Treasure Coast/The Treasure Coast Sports Commission and St. Lucie Public Schools, which has made the Westwood Academy Gym available for training and programming. This partnership is a significant step forward for American handball, providing a consistent training environment for athletes to prepare for international competitions.
The Public Kickoff and Future Plans
The public kickoff of the collaboration took place with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy collegiate handball match between the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy (West Point) at Fort Pierce High School. Future Olympians are scheduled to begin relocating and training in the region, taking advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching. Indian River State College is proud to serve as the future home to USA Team Handball’s National Training Center, joining USA Diving in making the campus a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics.
Benefits of the Partnership
According to Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president, the partnership reflects the college’s commitment to excellence in all areas, from academics to athletics. The partnership creates invaluable learning opportunities for students while strengthening ties to the Treasure Coast community. The college is excited to welcome USA Team Handball to Fort Pierce and support the development of future Olympians. With the Los Angeles Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028, the partnership is well-timed to help American handball athletes prepare for the international stage.
Support from USA Team Handball
Michael King, CEO of USA Team Handball, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, stating that it reflects the kind of collaboration and support needed to move American handball forward. A consistent training environment is essential for success, but it requires cooperation, shared resources, and institutional commitment. Thanks to Indian River State College, Play Treasure Coast, and St. Lucie Public Schools, USA Team Handball can now provide a full preparatory environment for its athletes, allowing them to train with continuity and accelerate toward sustained international performance.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The partnership between Indian River State College and USA Team Handball is a significant development for American handball, providing a world-class training environment for athletes to prepare for international competitions. With the support of Play Treasure Coast, The Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie Public Schools, the partnership is well-positioned to achieve its goals and help American handball athletes succeed on the global stage. As the Los Angeles Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028 approach, the partnership will play a crucial role in preparing American handball athletes for the challenges ahead. With its commitment to excellence and its focus on providing a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics, Indian River State College is an ideal partner for USA Team Handball, and the future of American handball looks bright.
