Klein Oak’s Izzy Lee Commits to North Texas, Finding Her Future Home with the Mean Green
For Klein Oak High School’s Izzy Lee, the dream of playing Division I softball has always been fueled by faith, family, and an unshakable love for the game. The Spring, Texas native and standout pitcher from the Class of 2027 recently made that dream a reality by committing to the University of North Texas, where she’ll suit up for the Mean Green in the coming years.
A two-way player who dominates in the circle and can play some first base as well, Lee has built her reputation through hard work and heart, both on the high school stage and with her travel team, Epic 18u National Smith. But when it came time to find her future home, there was something special about Denton that just felt right.
“I Knew UNT Was My Home”
Lee’s connection to North Texas didn’t happen overnight. It began years ago, when she first visited campus for a camp and instantly pictured herself in green and white.
“Everything about the program,” Lee said when asked what made UNT stand out. “I walked on campus a couple years ago for camp and I could already picture myself going there. This past year, they got a whole new coaching staff and once I met them, it was an instant yes. They made me feel like I was their daughter and I felt so loved.”
For Lee, the university’s commitment to its softball program only solidified that decision. “The University is putting in so much funding into the softball program and showing true investment in us,” she said. “Their softball facility is amazing with a whole new clubhouse (with a locker room, kitchen, team room, and film room), an amazing lift and training building, and a top-level indoor practice facility. After my visit, I knew UNT is my home.”
A Coaching Staff Built on Love
The new North Texas staff, led by head coach Cody White, played a pivotal role in Lee’s recruitment. What resonated most with her wasn’t just their softball knowledge, it was their culture.
“When Coach White was explaining his culture he mentioned that most people say ‘Tough Love is the best,’ but his motto was ‘Love Tough’ because he wants you to know that he loves us first and then pushes us to our highest potential through that love,” Lee explained.
Pitching coach McKenzie “Coach O” Onyango, in particular, made an immediate impact on Lee. “Coach O worked with me on pitching and everything she said worked perfect and her mindset as a coach and her plan for me as a pitcher is amazing,” Lee said. “I clicked with her not only on the coach-to-player side but also friend-to-friend. We can laugh together but also work together!”
And the rest of the staff made sure she knew she belonged. “Coach Hunter keeps softball fun and he is just one of the happiest guys you can meet,” she added. “He is always there to give you a high five, fist bump, and a smile. As soon as I told them I wanted UNT to be my new home they jumped out of their chair to give me a hug and that made me realize how good my decision really was. Their reactions to me wanting to be a part of their family made me feel whole.”
Family and Faith at the Core
Lee’s journey to this point has been a family affair. From backyard bullpen sessions to constant encouragement, her parents have been her biggest supporters.
“My biggest inspirations are my Mom, Dad, and Coaches,” she said. “My mom told me almost every single day since I started softball that she was proud of me but she also always reminded me to put in the work. My dad would always be in the backyard playing catch with me or catching my bullpens. It got to the point where my dad couldn’t catch me anymore cause ‘I threw too fast for him,’ but that didn’t stop him from helping me put in work.”
She also credits her longtime pitching coach,who’s been by her side since she was eight years old, for shaping her both as a player and a person. “He’s basically my second dad. He saw my potential from the beginning and believed in me since day one.”
Ready to Compete in Green and White
Once she arrives in Denton, Lee will focus primarily on pitching, though she’s ready to help wherever needed. “I am committed as a pitcher but I am ready to step up to do whatever they need me to do,” she said.
Her excitement about working with Coach O continues to grow. “Coach O is one of the sweetest human beings on the planet. I immediately clicked with her. We can talk, laugh, and practice all at the same time. I can see her really pushing me and making me an even better pitcher. Coach O doesn’t just stay in coach mode all the time and she really treats you like a person rather than just her player.”
And when it comes to her goals, Lee’s passion shines through. “I’m so excited to learn, grow, and compete,” she said. “I’m overly excited about being a role model to younger players and shining the Lord’s light in the circle. Coach White is the type of coach that moves fast and hard and I’m so excited to be under his wing. I’m ready to get in a bullpen with Coach O and learn new things and perfect the old ones.”
Izzy Lee’s Message for Mean Green Nation
Lee’s message to North Texas fans is simple and confident.
“Current Mean Green Fans: Be ready to see us in the WCWS soon!” she said. “Coach White, Coach Hunter, Coach O, and Coach Webb are putting together an amazing team and we are ready to work. I’m ready to be in the circle and dominate as an eagle. All glory to God! I am here to shine the Lord’s light!”
For Izzy Lee, the next chapter is already written in green and white and if her passion, faith, and drive are any indication, the Class of 2027 pitcher from Spring, Texas is ready to make an impact in Denton and beyond.
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