Kaylee Hodges is a Lady Vol
For 2027 Tennessee Softball commit Kaylee Hodges, the game of softball has always been about more than just wins and strikeouts, it’s been about family, growth, and the people who’ve been with her every step of the way.
Kaylee Hodges, a standout pitcher and utility player from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield, Virginia, has built an impressive resume for herself. Between dominating performances on the mound for her high school team and her travel ball success with Team NC Bowman, she’s already made her mark, most notably being named the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year. But for Kaylee Hodges, her journey is just getting started.
Now, she’s set to bring her talent to one of the biggest stages in college softball: Rocky Top.
Finding the Right Fit on Rocky Top
With several powerhouse programs showing interest, Hodges took her time to explore her options. But in the end, Tennessee just felt like home, literally and figuratively.
“The biggest thing for me when it came to Tennessee was that my family can come and watch me play more often since I have family who not only live in Virginia, but they live in South Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana,” Hodges shared. “My journey of softball started with my family by playing wiffle ball in my grandparents’ backyard. I think that’s why the family aspect of it was extremely important to me.”
For Kaylee Hodges, being close to the people who’ve supported her from day one made all the difference. That sense of belonging, both on and off the field, was exactly what she was looking for.
Building Trust Through the Process
Another key part of Hodges’ commitment came down to Tennessee’s coaching staff, especially head coach Karen Weekly, who has built one of the most respected programs in the country.
“Coach Karen and the rest of the coaching staff were amazing during the process,” Hodges said. “They gave me as much time as I needed to be able to not only balance the phone calls, but to also get other outside things done. Another great thing about these coaches is that they know my pitching and hitting coaches so it will allow me to be more successful.”
That personal touch and willingness to understand her as both a player and a person stood out to Hodges. She’s confident that the staff’s approach will help her continue to grow and thrive once she steps foot in Knoxville.
Inspired by the Greats
Every athlete has someone they look up to, and for Hodges, that inspiration came from a familiar face, one who’s not only a former Florida State All-American pitcher, but also someone who’s played an active role in her development.
“My biggest role model has been Lacey Waldrop who played at Florida State because she was my pitching coach for a while and we both had the same piano teacher that I still go to this day, she’s great!”
It’s those small, personal connections,like sharing a piano teacher, that make Kaylee Hodges’ story feel special. Her inspiration isn’t just rooted in performance, it’s built on relationships, mentorship, and a love for the game.
A Family in Team NC Bowman
Before becoming a Vol, Hodges has been sharpening her skills with Team NC Bowman, one of the top travel programs in the region. She credits them for preparing her not only for the next level but also for life.
“I can’t say enough, amazing about Team NC and what they have done for me throughout the years,” Hodges said. “They have seen me through every stage of my life and have always had my back and pushed me past my struggles. I couldn’t be more grateful to have every single one of them in my life. The coaching staff does so much for us and I’m extremely thankful to be able to play with my teammates who are my best friends and share so many fun moments on and off the softball field!”
For Hodges, that sense of team and camaraderie mirrors what she’s found in Tennessee, a family-first mentality that’s carried her this far and will continue to push her forward.
A Humble Champion
Winning the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year award is no small feat, but Hodges approaches the honor with humility and gratitude.
“I was so excited to receive the Gatorade VA Player of the Year award,” she said. “I’m the type of person who is very humble about my accomplishments, so I don’t necessarily talk about them, but it makes me feel really good when I see other people recognizing my hard work and what I’ve done. Again, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the people around me, including my family, coaches, and teammates, who have made these opportunities possible.”
Her words reflect a maturity well beyond her years, grounded, grateful, and driven by the people who’ve supported her along the way.
Message to Vol Nation
As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her career, Hodges is eager to don the orange and represent Tennessee.
“I would love for the Vol fans to know that I am so excited to be in Rocky Top within the next couple years, and I am extremely appreciative to be able to have the opportunity to play at such a high level. GBO!!”
From backyard wiffle ball games to one of the premier programs in college softball, Kaylee Hodges’ story is a testament to hard work, heart, and family. And for Vol fans, it’s clear, something special is on its way to Knoxville.
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