Bartram Trail alum and Florida Gator hoops legend Steffi Sorensen is up big at halftime.
The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously recommended approval Thursday for Dark Horse, a proposed 21,000-square-foot athletic and wellness facility spearheaded by the local basketball standout and ESPN broadcaster.
The project, planned for an 11.1-acre site on Greenbriar Road just east of Florida 13 North, includes a 12,250-square-foot covered turf field, sports performance areas, and recovery and wellness services.
During an emotional presentation to the board, Sorensen, 37, spoke about her deep roots in the county and her passion for promoting lifelong health.
“St. Johns County is home for me — it’s where I grew up, where I live, and where I’ll raise my family,” she said. “Dark Horse will be built by locals, for locals.”
The facility aims to welcome people of all ages and fitness levels, blending athletic training with mentorship and community wellness.
Sorensen shared a personal story about overcoming setbacks and the origin of the project’s name.
“When I walked on to the University of Florida basketball team, my coach didn’t even call my name on the first day of practice,” she recalled. “I ended up starting every game and became team captain. I was kind of a dark horse.”
She also revealed that although she didn’t get into broadcasting school at UF, she has spent the past 10 years working with ESPN. Reflecting on her path, she said, “My life, in a way, has been a dark horse,” and expressed a strong desire to mentor young people in health and wellness. “Health and wellness for me is everything.”
But some neighbors stepped into the municipal paint like Dikembe Mutombo Thursday in an attempt to swat down the venture at the proposed location.
“You’re trying to put a square peg in a round hole,” Jeff Edwards told the board, citing concerns over light and noise pollution, inadequate natural buffers, and long-term quality of life for nearby homeowners. “I fully support Sorensen’s concept, but I believe it isn’t well suited for this area. We all root for the dark horse — but we don’t want to be stuck with the manure that comes with it.”
Several board members acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the county’s growing need for more recreational space, especially for children.
“There’s a huge need,” said board member Judy Spiegel, noting the lack of dedicated practice areas even for youth sports. “Even though this is a private facility, it fills a public void. You’ve listened to the neighbors and made changes, and I appreciate that.”
Spiegel added that the project met the spirit, if not the letter, of the comprehensive plan.
The proposed site is about 1.2 miles west of Longleaf Pine Parkway and the Shoppes of Rivertown.
The plan now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
FOLLOW ST. JOHNS COUNTY’S MOST READ NEWS SOURCE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
