Amber Prescott, the head softball coach at Leesburg High School who rebuilt a long-struggling program and became a steady, compassionate presence for students and families across Lake County, has died. She was 37.
Prescott suffered a heart attack last August and was hospitalized with severe brain swelling. After a courageous fight, she passed away, leaving her husband, Thomas Prescott, and their three young children.
Prescott’s return to Leesburg softball was nothing short of transformative. Over the past several years, she turned the Lady Yellow Jackets from a team marked by years of losing into a program defined by work ethic, discipline, and heart.
Under her leadership, Leesburg posted back-to-back winning seasons in 2024 and 2025; she finished her coaching tenure with a 30–17 record, the same number of wins the program had managed over the nine seasons from 2013–2022.
That statistic, thirty wins in two years after nine lean seasons, captures the scale of the turnaround she led.
The change wasn’t only on the scoreboard. Amber and Thomas rolled up their sleeves to refurbish the softball complex, repairing dugouts, refreshing the field, and giving the players a home they could take pride in.
For players and parents, those improvements were physical proof of the energy and belief Amber poured into the program.
Leesburg Community is in Grief
She demanded effort and accountability, but she also gave care freely. Players and parents repeatedly pointed to small, defining moments, a kind word to a nervous freshman, extra time helping a struggling batter, a quiet hug after a bad game, as evidence of how she coached.
As one parent recalled, Amber “always said something kind” to a boy who’d been teased, a gesture that helped him find his footing.
Another volunteer remembered late-night dinners, road trips, and beach days that became family memories: Amber didn’t just coach girls, she mentored people.
Social media has been full of those scenes and sentiments. Fellow coaches and parents called her “an amazing coach to our girls” and promised to carry forward the lessons she taught: resilience, teamwork, and respect.
Hailey Bladek wrote that Amber “will forever live on in my heart,” praising the warmth and light she shared.
Jennifer Larsen, a close friend, captured the feeling many expressed: “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
Maile DeLand added, “This is so heartbreaking to hear!!! My thought and prayers are with her husband, kids, team members, and entire family! This is a tremendous loss for the LHS and softball community!”
Erin Haynes posted, “Oh, Amber, you were always so sweet and loving with such a beautiful smile! It’s been a while since we both worked at Belks, but I’ll never forget you. I was praying, but God has the final say so. Keeping your hubby and babies in my prayers.”
The outpouring wasn’t limited to memories of practice and games. When Thomas posted a photo of their wedding, dozens of friends and community members responded with offers of help, prayer, and practical support for him and the children.
“Big hugs my friend! We are praying for you and your family,” read one message; another said, “If you ever need anything just give me a shout, brotha.”
Those replies underline how deeply Amber’s circle rallied around the family in the days since her passing.
Plans to celebrate Amber’s life are set for Saturday, January 17, at Good News Church, 400 Executive Blvd., Leesburg.
A viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple or bright colors in honor of her vibrant spirit.
The family asks for continued prayers and support for Thomas and their children.
In keeping with Amber’s love of purple butterflies, the family originally planned a butterfly release after the service.
Amber Prescott’s record shows the turnaround she brought to a program.
The memories, the late-night rides, the extra practices, the kind words to kids who needed them most, show who she was.
For players, parents, and colleagues across Lake County, her lessons about grit, kindness, and community will outlast any single season.
Our thoughts are with Thomas, their children, and everyone who loved Amber. May she rest in peace.
