Hawks softball captain Kylee Douglas pursues interior design career at CMU
HFC student athlete Kylee Douglas always wanted to play softball at the collegiate level.
She earned a scholarship to HFC and played as catcher on the HFC softball team for two years. She served as captain during the 2024-25 season and also garnered post-season honors.
“My time on the HFC softball team has given me great friendships and amazing memories,” said Douglas. “I loved traveling to Myrtle Beach both years. That time with my teammates was super fun, and we all grew very close. I also enjoyed planning trips and team-bonding activities to build relationships and still have fun.”
Family bonding since she was 4
Born in Ann Arbor, Douglas is the middle of three daughters. She graduated from Pinckney High School, where she played basketball for two years and softball for four years. She served as captain during her last two years on the softball team.
Her father, Dennis, was a star athlete like his daughter. He played football, basketball, and baseball during his PHS days. He went on to play basketball for Adrian College. He coached his daughter in travel softball since she was 4, serving as an assistant coach on the PHS softball team throughout her four high school years.
“The main thing that sparked my love for softball was my dad and being able to bond with him throughout all those years,” said Douglas. “Having him show up for me and always wanting me to succeed and improve has been a main drive in my softball career.”
Aspires to a career in interior design
This summer, Douglas will graduate from HFC, earning her associate degree in interior design. Then she will transfer to Central Michigan University, where she will continue pursuing her education in interior design.
“I chose interior design because I have always had a passion for decorating and designing rooms and buildings,” she said. “I love the creativity and freedom that comes with interior design.”
HFC interior design instructors Cameron Elder and Chad Richert were very influential on Douglas.
“They were both my favorite teachers. Both of them are very understanding and genuinely care about every student,” she said. “HFC prepared me academically for CMU because I have developed an understanding and knowledge base about interior design. My career goal is to work at an interior design firm and then start my own business when I am ready.”
"I’ve had Kylee in several online classes," said Richert. "She’s a great student, who does an amazing job balancing her classes and athletics. Her work is always top notch!"
A strong team leader for the Hawks
As she finishes up her time at HFC and looks forward to CMU this fall, Douglas is unsure if she will join the CMU softball team.
“I might play on the club team if I have time,” she said. “HFC prepared me athletically for CMU by showing me that you can be competitive and want to win while still having fun. What I liked most about HFC was the sense of communication throughout the team, and being able to make mistakes as part of the process without anyone getting mad.”
Douglas added: “I enjoyed playing softball for Coach Steve Littleton. He cared about every person on the team. He always put us first and sacrificed a lot for us. He is always trying to improve as a coach and cares for his athletes, on and off the field.”
Littleton, who completed his second season as head coach, wishes Douglas the best as she heads to CMU.
“Kylee played catcher for more than 90 percent of our games,” said Littleton. “She was recruited by the previous coaching staff. It didn't take long for me to see what a great player she is. We built a good relationship; I could rely on her to help with the team, and she was quick to talk to me if the team had any issues. Most of all, she is a great person who comes from an awesome family. I leaned on her a lot. She really helped me, especially her second year, where she provided strong leadership, helping the new players, and was always in communication with the coaching staff. We will all miss Kylee. She made a real impact behind the plate and off the field.”