Lacee LePrey knows a little something about striking out. But for the Canyons District Youth-In-Custody teaching assistant, it’s not a bad thing – it’s part of what makes her a champion.

LePrey, who works with at-risk students at Canyons’ Genesis Youth Center, was recently inducted into Southern Utah University’s Athletic Hall of Fame for her accomplishments while playing softball for the university from 2001-2004.

LePrey excelled both as a pitcher and hitter, according to the university, and she led the Thunderbirds to season conference championships in 2003 and 2004. LePrey holds the SUU career strikeouts record, the career record for RBI, doubles, total bases and runs scored, according to the university.

The skills LePrey developed as an athlete have carried over into her work, says Todd Bird, District Coordinator of Student Support Services.

“She takes the same energy and the same resolve to help the students as she does with her athletics,” Bird says. “She’s just a really great person to have working with us. She’s great with the students.”

LePrey works one-on-one with students in the District’s court-ordered residential youth camp, helping them with mathematics and keeping track of the classes they need to take. She also helps coach softball at Jordan High, her alma mater, where she was voted Most Valuable Player in 5A softball in 1998.

After graduating from college, LePrey played professional softball in Italy. Her accomplishments and attitude are a good example to the students she works with, Bird says – which makes her all the more deserving of recognition.

“It’s really an honor, and I think she’s really deserving of it,” Bird says. “She’s just got that personality and demeanor about her that it doesn’t surprise me at all.”