Kaylee Hodges Feels Right At Home In The Pitching Circle

Kaylee Hodges Kaylee Hodges RHP/1B Matoaca | 2027 #59 Nation VA experimented with a few different positions when she first started playing softball. But once she stepped into the circle, everything felt right. Hodges knew she wanted to be a pitcher.

Something clicked once Hodges reached 14U, and her trajectory has continued to rise from that moment.

“I was just extremely successful and was able to get my spin right, my speed, my location—everything just made sense and felt super natural for me,” said Hodges, a 2027 recruit from Chesterfield, Virginia. “I think one reason I stuck with pitching is because the excitement of striking someone out makes you feel so good. I don't think anything can top that feeling, especially after a big game. It's just so fun, and I absolutely love it.”

Hodges, who is ranked by Prep Softball as the No. 59 player in her class, was named the 2025 Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year as a sophomore. The righthander was a two-way threat at Matoaca High, striking out 256 batters in 105 innings with a 0.27 ERA while hitting .476.

Hodges has committed to the University of Tennessee. Her pitching coach Rick Pauly, a former college and professional fastpitch coach, is friends with UT pitching coach Megan Rhodes Smith, and Hodges felt an instant connection once she visited Rocky Top.

“It reminded me of home. One of the things they go by is 'home sweet home,' and I think that really resonates with me on a personal level,” Hodges said. “Because where I live in Virginia, I have a lake in my backyard, and we have mountains and tons of trees, and it reminds me of the Tennessee campus.”

Hodges' parents signed her up for softball at age 6 after noticing how much she enjoyed playing wiffle ball with her grandparents. She tried other activities when she was younger, but nothing brought her as much joy as being on the diamond.

“I did tap dance, but I just kind of stood in the corner, like, ‘what is this?' And then I did cheer for a little bit, and then played travel basketball,” Hodges said. “Basketball was one sport that I absolutely loved. I also played for my school, but then it just got (to be) so much that it was to the point where it was like, ‘Okay, you need to pick one,' and I loved softball.”

Hodges didn't narrow her focus completely. She was still able to earn a black belt in taekwondo. Although she doesn't have time to go back as much anymore, she drops by when she can to say hello to everyone and help younger kids.

“Those people have really taught me a lot. It's not even just about getting your black belt. They teach you life lessons, they teach you discipline, they teach you to have respect for yourself and to treat others with kindness. Don't lie, cheat or steal. That's three things that we live by," Hodges said. "It's just a really good environment. They're great people, and they always challenge you.”

Hodges has also continued to play the piano, which she first started at a young age. She has lessons every week with her teacher.

“What's really cool about the piano is that it helps you with not only rhythm and timing when it comes to hitting and pitching, but your finger dexterity,” Hodges said. “It really strengthens the muscles in your fingers and helps you learn how to move without necessarily thinking too hard about it. It's muscle memory, and that's the same thing with softball.”

Hodges spent time at shortstop at the start of her softball career, and recalls an 8U game in which she took her father's instructions a bit too literally.

“Our first baseman wasn't necessarily the strongest player, so my dad was joking with me one time, and said, ‘Kaylee, just roll the ball to them if they can't catch it,'” Hodges said. “So sure enough, I get the ball, and then I roll it all the way to first base, and we got the out. My dad was like, ‘Oh my goodness. I didn't actually mean for her to do that.'”

Hodges has a fastball that averages around 67-68 miles per hour and she's even hit 70 a few times. Her changeup clocks in around 54-55 mph.

“I think what makes me really successful is that I have a lot of spin on my ball, but I can also throw pretty hard too. I have a lot of different speeds that I throw to keep hitters off balance. I use it to my advantage,” she said. “But I think what has put me ahead of the game is that my coach (Pauly) has coached in college, so he coaches me and has goals for me like he would for his college girls.”

Hodges wants to pay the knowledge she has gained forward, and gives lessons to younger girls on a regular basis. Although Hodges is helping them, she receives just as much value from the experience.

“I love the fact that I make them extremely happy, and they want to be here,” Hodges said. “Some of my girls who come to me for lessons, they even ask if I can babysit them, just because they genuinely like spending time with me. That makes me feel good.”