LYNDI FREI, Snow Canyon: Lyndi Frei's work ethic knows no boundaries. Whether it's school, softball or anything else, the 5-10 senior will give it her all. In her most recent game against Canyon View High, the senior pitcher struck out 13 of the 15 batters she faced.
Against Dixie on Friday, March 31, she struck out nine of 24 batters to help her team with their fourth regional win. Snow Canyon is undefeated this year, and looks ready to defend their 3A title behind Frei's leadership.She is the only returning senior starter on a team with talent but lacking in experience. In addition to working hard on the softball diamond, she was recently named to the Deseret News All-State second team in basketball.
It isn't just sports she's applied herself to either. Frei will likely be her school's Valedictorian as she maintains a 4.0 grade point average.
"Her work ethic is an example to all of our players, and really to our high school," said softball coach Wane Kittrell. "I think it rubbed off on our basketball team and they experienced some success because of it.
"She's intense, a competitor," added Kittrell, "and that makes her fun to have on your team."
MATT COLE, Cottonwood: There isn't a tougher athlete in the state than this rugged competitor who excels in every sport he plays. Currently, the senior is playing rugby for the internationally acclaimed Highland club, which won a tournament in California last week.
Cole is a two-year captain of the Highland rugby team, and he also played on an international team that took third in the world at the world championships in Africa two years ago. He was the only sophomore ever to be invited to be on the internation squad.
Cole is also a standout football player and wrestler. This past fall, he earned Deseret News first-team all-state honors after playing almost every play of every game -- on offense, defense and special teams -- for the Colts. He has a scholarship to play linebacker for Ricks College after his LDS mission.
This past winter, Cole won the Region 1 wrestling championship and followed that with the 215-pound state title.
"He has a motor that goes 100 miles per hour all the time," said Cottonwood football coach Steve Coburn. "He's such an emotional leader. He exemplifies what a prep athlete is all about. He's a great young man. He sets the standard for things off the field as well."
To nominate a prep of the week, contact Deseret News prep editor Jody Genessy at 801-236-6074 or at jody@desnews.com.