By Mickey Smith, ETX Bell
NACOGDOCHES – The ebbs and flows of life can certainly make it a crazy, emotional roller coaster….especially for student/athletes these days.
As with every student/athlete, there has always seemed to be that one special person.
That special person who knows when to pick you up, or when it’s time for some fundamental life discussions, yet they are always there to say the right thing.
Former Bullard All-State outfielder, and Stephen F. Austin’s, Third team All-DI Central Region selection, Kaylee Paul has certainly opened some eyes in a big way at the next level in ‘25.
Meanwhile, there have been plenty of long, slow climbs, huge dips, and quick turns along her coaster ride, the past two years at SFA.
The most recent setback came to the entire Paul family was losing their grandmother, Betty Paul (Kaylee called her Big Momma) passed away this week.
She was a huge K.P. fan, and she raised two of her own to be salt-of-the-earth kinda folk.
Salt of the earth like Cameron Paul, Kaylee’s Dad.
“My Dad has always been there for me during every stage of my softball career and taught me just about everything I know about the game,” Kaylee smiled, talking about Pop. “He always knows what to say and when to say it and I love him for being such a great Dad, and giving back to so many other than myself!”
Bullard Lady Panthers Head Coach, Julie Murry dittoed Kaylee’s feelings.
“I would imagine there aren’t many East Texas select softball players who haven’t felt the impact of Cameron on their careers,” Murry said of Kaylees hero, “He is a major supporter of both the sport and the kids in our area and we are most appreciative for his influence on their lives.”
As a freshman starter at SFA, Kaylee tore an ACL in 2022, leaving her to watch her Lady ‘Jacks while rehabbing through months of grueling pain and tears.
As a member of several different teams growing up through the Bullard Softball Association, K.P. was always on the All-Star teams. More times than not, she had her special coach in the mix.
For four years, K.P. was a vital starter for a highly-touted high school team that compiled a 110-15 record during that stint.
Batting .600 her senior season and a defensive magnet, leading the state regional-finalist, Paul was named first team All-State.
Add to that her four-year All District recognitions, and named District Offensive Player of the Year.
This past season, after all the hard work, it all paid off for Paul, named to the NFCA All-Region Third Team.
‘Kaylee was one of the most prolific hitters in Bullard Softball history,’ said BHS Lady Panthers Head Coach, Julie Murry. “She was an impact player for our teams and just a natural leader.”
“We are so proud to see her growth and her success at the next level,” Murry added.
This past season, Kaylee was 16th in the nation (second in SLC), with a .442 average, .981 OPS, a .500 on-base percentage, along with a .481 slugging percentage. Paul had 57 hits and 29 runs scored, 21 RBIs, a double, two triples, and 15-of-17 in stolen bases for the Lady ‘Jacks.
SFA was 27-39 overall and 14-13 in Southland Conference action.
When all is said and done, K.P. is well aware where it all came from.
“He always had his favorite day quote which was ‘Don’t •••• (vacuum function)” which means I Love You and have fun,” K.P. said in closing, “I can always count on him to be the first one to help me develop at practice and he is the first one to cheer the loudest at every game.”
Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads, and don’t be afraid to make a difference!
Pops Cameron and his outfielder, base-stealing, fly-catching dynamo, Kaylee Paul, will always dance on the diamond!
NACOGDOCHES – The ebbs and flows of life can certainly make it a crazy, emotional roller coaster….especially for student/athletes these days.
As with every student/athlete, there has always seemed to be that one special person.
That special person who knows when to pick you up, or when it’s time for some fundamental life discussions, yet they are always there to say the right thing.
Former Bullard All-State outfielder, and Stephen F. Austin’s, Third team All-DI Central Region selection, Kaylee Paul has certainly opened some eyes in a big way at the next level in ‘25.
Meanwhile, there have been plenty of long, slow climbs, huge dips, and quick turns along her coaster ride, the past two years at SFA.
The most recent setback came to the entire Paul family was losing their grandmother, Betty Paul (Kaylee called her Big Momma) passed away this week.
She was a huge K.P. fan, and she raised two of her own to be salt-of-the-earth kinda folk.
Salt of the earth like Cameron Paul, Kaylee’s Dad.
“My Dad has always been there for me during every stage of my softball career and taught me just about everything I know about the game,” Kaylee smiled, talking about Pop. “He always knows what to say and when to say it and I love him for being such a great Dad, and giving back to so many other than myself!”
Bullard Lady Panthers Head Coach, Julie Murry dittoed Kaylee’s feelings.
“I would imagine there aren’t many East Texas select softball players who haven’t felt the impact of Cameron on their careers,” Murry said of Kaylees hero, “He is a major supporter of both the sport and the kids in our area and we are most appreciative for his influence on their lives.”
As a freshman starter at SFA, Kaylee tore an ACL in 2022, leaving her to watch her Lady ‘Jacks while rehabbing through months of grueling pain and tears.
As a member of several different teams growing up through the Bullard Softball Association, K.P. was always on the All-Star teams. More times than not, she had her special coach in the mix.
For four years, K.P. was a vital starter for a highly-touted high school team that compiled a 110-15 record during that stint.
Batting .600 her senior season and a defensive magnet, leading the state regional-finalist, Paul was named first team All-State.
Add to that her four-year All District recognitions, and named District Offensive Player of the Year.
This past season, after all the hard work, it all paid off for Paul, named to the NFCA All-Region Third Team.
‘Kaylee was one of the most prolific hitters in Bullard Softball history,’ said BHS Lady Panthers Head Coach, Julie Murry. “She was an impact player for our teams and just a natural leader.”
“We are so proud to see her growth and her success at the next level,” Murry added.
This past season, Kaylee was 16th in the nation (second in SLC), with a .442 average, .981 OPS, a .500 on base percentage, along with a .481 slugging percentage. Paul had 57 hits and 29 runs scored, 21 RBIs, a double, two triples, and 15-of-17 in stolen bases for the Lady ‘Jacks.
SFA was 27-39 overall and 14-13 in Southland Conference action.
When all is said and done, K.P. is well aware where it all came from.
“He always had his favorite day quote which was ‘Don’t •••• (vacuum function)” which means I Love You and have fun,” K.P. said in closing, “I can always count on him to be the first one to help me develop at practice and he is the first one to cheer the loudest at every game.”
Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads, and don’t be afraid to make a difference!
Pops Cameron and outfielder base running, fly-catching dynamo, Kaylee Paul!
