Lake Worth Beach, Fla. (April 16, 2026) — Palm Beach State College (PBSC) and Baptist Health South Florida celebrated a new chapter in community partnership and athletic excellence today with the groundbreaking of the Baptist Health South Florida Beach Volleyball Complex, a world-class facility made possible through Baptist Health’s generous financial investment.
Designed to support elite collegiate competition, community access, and live broadcast capabilities, the new complex will serve as the home of PBSC’s nationally recognized women’s beach volleyball program. It will also host tournaments, special events, and recreational programming, positioning Palm Beach State as a premier destination for collegiate and professional-level volleyball in South Florida and beyond.
“This collaboration goes far beyond building a state-of-the-art venue—it’s about building opportunity,” said Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “Palm Beach State is proud to be the leading educator of health care professionals in Palm Beach County, and Baptist Health South Florida has been one of our most valued partners in that effort. Our graduates power hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across this region, including many within the Baptist Health network. This new complex symbolizes the strength of that partnership and our shared commitment to education, wellness, and community.”
“Baptist Health South Florida is proud to partner with Palm Beach State College on a project that reflects our shared commitment to education, wellness, and the future of Palm Beach County,” said Lincoln Mendez, North Region Executive, Baptist Health and CEO, Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Palm Beach State plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of professionals who strengthen our community, including many who go on to serve in healthcare.”
Spanning multiple sand courts, shaded spectator areas, and technology infrastructure designed for live streaming and media broadcasting, the Baptist Health South Florida Beach Volleyball Complex brings together student athletics, health promotion, and community engagement in one dynamic space.
In addition to serving student-athletes, the facility will host youth and community tournaments, bringing economic and recreational benefits to Palm Beach County. Its blend of high-performance design and inclusive accessibility reflects both PBSC’s and Baptist Health’s shared vision of creating spaces that inspire excellence, teamwork, and healthy living.
“This project represents our collective responsibility to invest in the health and vitality of our community,” Parker added. “Together with Baptist Health South Florida, we are elevating opportunity for students and advancing the future of Palm Beach County.”
The Baptist Health Beach Volleyball Complex is expected to open in early 2027.
Media Contact:
Kerry Capell, Director of Communications
Palm Beach State College
561-679-2849 (mobile)
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About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report.
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report.
About Palm Beach State College
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College has been an integral player in the growth and prosperity of Palm Beach County. Our graduates impact every industry and are community and business leaders. With 170 different programs of study, PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. More than 40,000 students enroll annually in onsite, online, live online and hybrid classes at five convenient locations in Belle
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College has been an integral player in the growth and prosperity of Palm Beach County. Our graduates impact every industry and are community and business leaders. With 170 different programs of study, PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. More than 40,000 students enroll annually in onsite, online, live online and hybrid classes at five convenient locations in Belle
Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens, and through PBSC Online. Learn more at www.pbsc.edu. #MyPBSC, @PBStateCollege