Returning to the same field where she once played in a high school All-Star Game, Brittany Thackery, Associate Director of Admission and Athletics Liaison, experienced a full-circle moment on June 11 as she was inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame for her contributions to sports.

“Once I got there and saw my former coaches and teammates, it all became real,” Thackery said. “That’s when it really hit me how meaningful this is.”

Held at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, the ceremony honored athletes who have made a lasting impact on the Orange County region. Thackery now joins an esteemed group of inductees that includes Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Amanda Beard, and Greg Louganis.

“My high school coach presented the award to me,” she added. “Standing on home plate with all the high school All-Star players around, just like I was all those years ago, was surreal. It brought everything back.”

Softball has always been central to Thackery’s life. She and her two sisters all played Division I in college, and she credits her coaches for laying the foundation early.

“Orange County is pretty much the hotbed for softball. I was lucky to grow up around amazing coaches from a young age,” she said. “They taught me the game, the fundamentals, and the mindset. I owe them everything.”

Among those who helped present her award was a former travel ball coach who taught her how to slap hit when she was just 12 years old.

“At the time, I remember thinking maybe one day I’d be good enough to play on his team,” Thackery said. “And then to have him there that night, helping to recognize me, meant everything.”

Although Thackery is grateful for the recognition, she said it was never about chasing awards. For her, it was always about loving the game and showing up fully for her team.

“I had people tell me I was too small to play in college. But I didn’t care. I wanted to learn, be coached, compete, and be the best teammate I could be,” she said. “All of this came as a byproduct of that drive.”

Reflecting on her journey, Thackery hopes students remember that effort and heart matter more than perfection.

“I wasn’t the strongest or the most physically gifted, but I gave it everything I had,” she added. “That’s what made all the difference.”

Congratulations to Brittany Thackery, who’s been hitting it out of the park at Viewpoint this year through her leadership and dedication.