SHE'S COOKING: Chapman dealing on mound; selling baked goods

WILLIS SOFTBALL STAR KYNLEI CHAPMAN COOKS ON THE MOUND AND BAKES IN THE KITCHEN.

Huh?

The senior ace of the Wildkat softball team is one the most feared pitchers in the city of Houston when she toes the rubber. With her red hair flowing and her windmill motion, the ball explodes out of her hand.

“You know red heads are a little angry,” she laughed. “Over the years, I’ve had to improve on my anger management, honestly. Just keeping composed on the mound and getting in my zone. I just go out there and concentrate on hitting my spots.”

The right-handed senior has signed to play her college ball at McLennan Community College next season after putting in years of honing her craft.

“I love how close-knit the girls are and how they worship God even though it’s not a Christian school,” she said. “That was something I was looking for. Also, 90-percent of the girls sign with DI college programs after they graduate.”

When she’s not mowing down batters for Willis, “Chappy” can bake with the best of them. She has started a small business – “Cakes by Kynlei” – where she sells her masterpieces.

“Making cheesecakes, pies and cakes is just my thing,” she said. “My top seller is my pecan pie cheesecake. I can only make two a day, but they go so fast.

“I’m kind of an entrepreneur. I get it from my Dad, who co-owns a snow cone stand at Gene Campbell Sports Park, where I work in the summers. I also knit blankets to sell also.”

Softball is her “now” but business is her “future”.

“I’m going to take softball as far it takes me, but I want to be a Realtor and build my baking business after college,” she said. “That’s my plan.”

And she’s sticking to it like an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.