Leesburg, Fla. – The Lake-Sumter State College softball program is pleased to announce that Rachel Phelps has been named the Jean Williams Scholar-Athlete Award winner for 2018.

The Jean Williams award is given to a student-athlete in the sport of softball that displays the outstanding qualities necessary to be successful both on and off the field. Phelps carried a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her two years at Lake-Sumter. She also spent a substantial amount of time volunteering through her church and with the LSSC athletic department. Rachel Phelps is the first winner of this prestigious award in program history.

In the fall, Phelps organized a t-shirt drive through the University of Houston to help after hurricane Harvey devastated the area. She was also able to organize a successful fundraiser for a local family in the Lake County area after hurricane Irma. The early education major also spent time at Round Lake Elementary school assisting teachers and students.

On the field, Rachel was selected second team All-MFC after a stellar sophomore campaign. The Belleview native ended her final season at LSSC hitting .304 with a .397 on-base percentage while leading the conference with 38 stolen bases. Phelps finished her career at Lake-Sumter as the single season record holder for stolen bases (38) and runs scored (50). She is also the career leader in stolen bases (63), runs scored (79) and at-bats (334). This season she led the nation in putouts at first base with 438 while only making eight errors. Phelps is a two-time selection for All-Conference.

"I have never coached a kid that had such a big impact on me; she is the kind of student-athlete every coach would want," said Head Softball Coach, Jay Miller. "She has made our whole team alter their way of thinking and how they should carry themselves on and off the field."