Since joining De La Salle for the 2012–2013 school year, Catherine Leix has brought energy, expertise, and a deep love of learning to her classroom.

Originally from Flint, Michigan, Leix attended Wayne State University, where she majored in secondary education with concentrations in biology and mathematics.

While at Wayne State, she was far more than just a student.

A decorated swimmer, she was later inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame — an honor that reflects both her talent and dedication to her sport.

Her connection to the program didn’t end at graduation. She was recruited back to Wayne State during an alumni meet when her former coaches realized her teaching schedule aligned perfectly with their need for a consistent assistant coach.

“They mentioned how hard it was to find someone whose schedule fit,” Leix recalled. “Unless you’re done working at three, you can’t really do it. And then they looked at me and said, ‘Aren’t you done working at three?’ “

Leix went on to coach at Wayne State for five or six years. She stepped away last year as she prepared for a new role: motherhood. In April 2025, she and her husband welcomed a healthy baby daughter.

In the Classroom

During the 2025-2026 school year, Leix teaches a full range of mathematics courses:

• Freshman Algebra I
• AP Calculus AB (primarily juniors and seniors, with a few sophomores)
• AP Statistics (senior-only)

She is currently in her fifth year teaching AP Statistics and her third consecutive year serving as an AP Reader for Calculus.

The selective process requires teachers to apply and be accepted; readers focus on one subject area at a time.

While she has considered becoming a Statistics reader in the future, she appreciates the experience she has gained reading for Calculus and values the professional growth it brings.

Why Teaching?

Teaching runs in Leix’s family. Her mother and godmother were both educators, and she grew up seeing firsthand the impact a great teacher can make.

“I always enjoyed being in school,” she said. “Learning was fun for me, and I hope to make it fun for others as well.”

That passion for learning — and for helping others understand challenging concepts — is evident in her classroom.

Community and Connection

When asked what has kept her at De La Salle for more than a decade, Leix doesn’t hesitate.

“The people,” she says. “My coworkers, the students I teach, the parents I interact with — it’s just a good sense of community.”

Her background as a collegiate athlete and coach also provides a meaningful connection for students who aspire to compete at the next level. Having a former collegiate athlete and coach on staff offers students both inspiration and practical insight into balancing academics and athletics. 

Life Beyond School

These days, much of Leix’s time outside of school revolves around life as a working mother. Still, she and her husband share a passion for travel and experiencing different cultures around the world.

Before their daughter was born, their travels included Vietnam, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, and many other destinations. Her husband is from Puerto Rico, and Leix is currently working on learning Spanish. “It’s extremely difficult,” she admits with a smile, “but I haven’t given up yet.”

Whether in the classroom, on the pool deck, or exploring the world, Leix brings curiosity, discipline, and heart to everything she does — qualities that continue to enrich the De La Salle community.