New Lee County gym taking shape

LEESBURG — The basketballs won’t stop bouncing inside Lee County High School’s current gym when the school’s newest athletic facility opens this fall.

In fact, they’ll probably bounce even more.

Lee County Schools isn’t replacing its longtime gym. It’s adding another one.

Rising from what was once a softball practice field, the new, 36,000-square-foot facility is designed to meet the needs of a school that has more than doubled in enrollment since the current gym opened in the early 1990s. Today, Lee County High School serves more than 1,700 students, creating demands that extend far beyond basketball season.

Construction remains approximately two weeks ahead of schedule, according to Superintendent Kathleen Truitt, with substantial completion expected in mid-October.

“We are running about two weeks ahead of schedule,” Truitt said. “The rain has impacted the exterior work, but we have full confidence that the team can regain the time.”

If construction continues on schedule, Lee County expects the building to be ready for the early part of the 2026-27 basketball season.

For boys basketball coach Kirven Davis, the project represents far more than a new place to play.

“I’m excited and yet grateful to the Lee County/Leesburg community for their continued support of Lee County sports,” Davis said. “They’re the reason for all of our athletic success. I’m excited for our players and students that are able to witness this level of support, and this will be a great facility for competition and learning.”

That community support is reflected throughout the building’s design.

The centerpiece is a competition gym with seating for approximately 2,700 spectators, but the facility was built to serve students every day, not just on game nights. Plans include three full basketball courts, a dedicated wrestling facility, locker rooms for physical education classes and athletic teams, athletic training and treatment areas, coaches’ offices, an officials’ locker room, concession space and expanded restroom facilities.

The project wasn’t born because the current gym had become outdated.

It was born because Lee County had outgrown it.

“When the current gym was built in the early ’90s, Lee County High School had only about 800 students,” Truitt said. “With over 1,700 students there are greater space needs for physical education classes, athletics and just a space where the entire student body can be assembled.”

One thing visitors won’t find is another weight room.

That’s intentional.

“We already have a weight room,” Truitt said. “We work really hard to not create duplicate facilities.”

Nor will the current gym sit empty once the new building opens.

Instead, it will continue to play a vital role on campus.

Truitt said schools the size of Lee County routinely operate multiple gymnasiums to accommodate physical education classes, practices, games and other student activities. Having two facilities also creates additional opportunities to host tournaments, camps and community events throughout the year.

“Lee County High School has a very active and involved co-curricular and extracurricular programming,” Truitt said. “We can use the extra space.”

The new building also is expected to become one of Lee County’s largest gathering places.

“We also allow the community to utilize our facilities,” Truitt said. “This will provide the largest gathering place in Lee County. Our community should be proud of that.”

When the first basketball is tipped later this fall, fans will notice the larger seating capacity, the additional courts and the modern amenities.

What they may appreciate even more is what the building represents.

It’s another investment in a school system that continues to grow, a commitment to student-athletes and a community that has long supported them.

The old gym has served generations of Trojans well.

The new one was built to serve the generations still to come.