GAMES
RANKINGS
Aldine Softball Head Coach Leigha Doyle
ALL IN: Doyle has Aldine Softball trending
“After graduating from college, I knew that softball was going to be a part of my life,” Doyle said. “Giving back to the game, which gave so much to me, is everything. I can honestly say that I love what I do.”\
Doyle starred at Atascocita High School before beginning her collegiate career at Galveston College. She then transferred to Southern Arkansas University, where she started two seasons at shortstop and earned NFCA Division II Scholar Athlete All-American honors.
After college, Doyle kicked off her coaching journey as an assistant at C.E. King High School, eventually landing her first head coaching job at Aldine.
“I just love the atmosphere at Aldine High,” she said. “I love the administration, but mostly I love working with my girls. They’re so fun and coachable. They have a great bond, which is something I really try to promote. We all have the same mindset—to play hard, turn some heads, and win games.”
2024-25 Aldine High School SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As a softball lifer, Doyle has shaped her coaching style by drawing from her own experiences as a player.
“I’ve had some great coaches—and some bad ones,” she laughed. “Honestly, you learn the most from the bad ones, by figuring out how not to run a program.
“My coach, Jason Anderson at Southern Arkansas, has been a huge mentor for me. I know if I ever have a question, he’ll always pickup the phone. He really gave me the confidence to step into this profession.”
For Doyle, her biggest lesson as a young coach comes down to one word: trust.
“Building relationships and trust with your players is what I believe in,” she said. “If that’s established, your program will be in a good place. Good or bad, you have to be honest with your players. If that bond is there, they’ll run through a wall for you—and they know I’ll go to the mat for them, too.”
Wise beyond her years, Doyle is helping turn Aldine Softball into something special.
Goose Creek Memorial's Kimora Douglas
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Track has become one of multiple callings for GCM's Douglas
“Because I grew up during COVID, I was pretty antisocial as a child,” Douglas admitted with a laugh. “So, I decided to put myself in a bunch of sports to break out of my shell. I played volleyball, tennis, and a few others, but track ended up speaking to me the most.
“I was immediately placed in hurdles because of my long legs and height for my age at the time. I’ve stuck with it since, and now it’s my passion. I do a lot of training outside of school because you can’t be a true athlete unless you’re willing to put in the work when no one is watching.”
Some of the stars of 2024-25 GCM Girls Track & FieldJamey Wright (VYPE)
Hurdles have become Douglas’ specialty. The Goose Creek Memorial junior placed in the top five of both the100m and 300m hurdles at last year’s district meet.
But despite that strong showing, she has her sights set even higher this season.
“I’m hoping to set some PRs (personal records), especially in the hurdling events,” she said. “Endurance is something I’ve really been focusing on, and I’m finally seeing improvements in my times. I wasn’t too happy with how I finished last season, so this year is my comeback.”
While track has helped Douglas find confidence, it wasn’t her first passion.
“I’ve always loved medicine,” she shared. “My aunt is a director of nurses, and I’ve wanted to follow in her footsteps while focusing on radiology. Even though I’ve had my moments, I try to be a happy, energetic person because spreading positivity is important to me. My goal is to help others get better—both in life and, eventually, in the medical field.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
She has a mentor in her career aspirations, but what about in track?
“I love me some Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone,” Douglas said, referring to the world record holder in the 400m hurdles. “Since I started running, she’s been someone I look up to, not just for her role on Team USA but also for her incredible length and stride.”
She’s also inspired by 2024 Olympic gold medalist Masai Russell.
“I love her technique and the energy she brings,” Douglas said. “She doesn’t let anything rattle her, which is something I admire.”
As the season unfolds, Douglas hopes to make her own mark—both with her performances and the energy she brings to the track. With months of preparation behind her, she’s ready to make her presence felt at the district meet in April.