Covington senior Lacee Gallardo is a two-sport athlete for the Lady Lions. Gallardo hit .354 in district play and helped lead the Lady Lions’ softball team to the District 7-5A title with a 13-1 record. Gallardo starts at second base and is the Lady Lions’ leadoff hitter. She batted .460 on the season with 29 runs scored and drove in nine runs.

Gallardo also started for the Covington volleyball team. She transferred to Covington High from Mandeville High. Prior to attending MHS she was a student at Northlake Christian School. Covington coach Christine Beauvais described Gallardo as a smart ball player.

“Lacee can hit with power, and she has speed. She has a good eye and can put down a bunt when you need it to advance runners. Those are all the things you want out of a leadoff hitter,” Beauvais said.

Lacee Gallardo

She moved over to second base after opening the season at third base to help stabilize the Lady Lions’ infield. She only committed two errors in 62 chances for a .968 fielding percentage.

Beauvais said Gallardo did an outstanding job at second base after making the transition.

“She is very consistent as a defensive player. She hustles after everything. Lacee has the whole package,” Beauvais.

Beauvais said Gallardo gives her team energy and enthusiasm.

“She is our spark plug. She is never down, and is always filled with excitement. She always does whatever it takes to help the team. Lacee is a clutch player.”

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? I enjoy taking the bus rides to away games. I love being around my teammates.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? Teachers have higher expectations of you. I like the challenge of doing well in school and giving it my best in sports.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? I like to be a positive influence on the younger players like the freshmen.

Most memorable game? It would have to be our recent 1-0 victory against Mandeville. The game was scoreless, and I had the game-winning hit with two outs to win it.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? My parents because they have taught me the importance of doing well in school and how to balance playing sports.

Who is your favorite athlete? Softball pitcher Jennie Finch.

Favorite team? LSU Tigers’ softball team.

What is your favorite subject in school? I like English.

Plans after high school/college major? I want to major in mass communications. I’d love to become a television commentator.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? “A League of Their Own,” “George Lopez” Will Smith and Hannah Montana.

Favorite type of music? Country.

Favorite food dish? Chicken parmesan.

Best vacation? Family summer trips to the beach in Florida.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? Everything is really close.

Hobbies/interests/volunteering: I like to sing and hang out with my friends. I use to sing in the choir when I attended Northlake Christian School. I was a member of the all-state choir. I volunteered with Families Helping Families.

Parents: Gerardo and Shelly Gallardo of Covington.