Submitted photo Audrey Douglas signs her national letter of intent to play volleyball for Auburn University. She is pictured here with her father, Steve — a 1989 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate — and her mother, April.

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A little over 30 years ago, Steve Douglas was a member of Fort Dodge’s boys basketball championship team.

Last month, Douglas witnessed a similar celebration from a completely different perspective: in the stands as a parent.

Douglas’ daughter, Audrey, was a star player on the Hagerty High School volleyball squad in Oviedo, Fla. On Nov. 16, Hagerty captured the 7A state title — Florida’s largest class — with a sweep of Palm Beach Gardens.

The victory capped a busy week for Audrey, who officially signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Auburn University three days before the finals.

“People tell you during the recruiting process to pick where you want to go to school first, then think about your sport,” said Audrey, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker/hitter, “because your (athletic career) could always end when you least expect it. Auburn has a great environment, tremendous people, the campus is beautiful, and their (volleyball) program is amazing.

“It just felt like home.”

Steve Douglas graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1989. He was a 6-foot-9 junior reserve for the Dodgers in 1988 when the squad went 23-1 and captured the Class 3A championship.

Douglas, who now works for Siemens AG, played football at FDSH as well.

“My favorite memories as a Dodger (centered around) the community support for all sports,” Steve said. “People would come out (and attend all events). Games were the talk of the town.

“Although I moved away when I went to college, I cherish the group of friends I made at FDSH. That’s stayed with me to this day.”

Audrey Douglas received scholarship offers from a number of schools, including many from the Southeastern Conference. Her final list included the likes of Clemson, Tennessee, Mississippi and others.

Douglas verbally committed to Auburn nearly three years ago, though, and stayed true to her word.

“I was very lucky to have so many scholarship offers and schools to choose from,” said Douglas, who plans on studying economics and political science. “I didn’t take any of that for granted. Auburn is close enough (to the Douglas residence in suburban Orlando), but I’m still far enough away to get the full college experience.”

Douglas was a four-year starter in high school, and her squads placed in the Top-5 at state each season while accumulating a record of 98-18. Douglas, a three-time Florida all-state and Solemn County all-conference selection, recorded 835 career kills and 370 blocks as a prep standout.

Douglas also played four years of club ball in high school for Top Select Volleyball Academy. Her squads went 344-27 overall, finishing either first or second on the AU circuit every season.

“My wife (April) and I are very proud of Audrey,” Steve said. “From a young age, she set a goal of wanting to play volleyball for Auburn. She spent many days with the trainers working to improve her athleticism, and many evenings in the gym improving her skills.

“The sport has shown her the importance of setting goals and putting in the work to achieve them. She learned the importance of being coachable and a good teammate at a young age.”

This past year, Audrey was named a Prepvolleyball.cm All-American and Senior Ace.

“Volleyball is such a big sport, especially in central Florida,” Audrey said. “When you’re younger especially, you get frustrated because you feel like everyone around you is a lot better. My dad would always remind me to just focus on myself and put all of my energy into keeping track of (personal progress) instead of trying to measure up to everyone else.”

Steve stays in touch with many of his former classmates, including Marc Carson — a fellow ex-Dodger who currently has a daughter, Brynn, playing volleyball at Kansas State University. Brynn Carlson is a starter for the Wildcats, and — like Audrey — 6-foot-4.

“We saw Mr. Carlson and Brynn at (national travel volleyball) tournaments through the years,” Audrey said. “They’re good friends who stay in touch.”

Steve’s mother, Jolene, still lives in Fort Dodge.

“She’s actually at our house (in Winter Park) right now,” Audrey said of her grandmother. “She’s a snowbird. She has a condo very close to where we live, so we see her quite often — especially during (the winter months).”

Audrey has been to Fort Dodge a handful of times — as recently as two years ago.

“It’s always been a fun trip,” Douglas said. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing where dad grew up and sharing those memories with him. It’s great to see his old stomping grounds.”