Audrey Hennings Shines in Softball and Overcomes Challenges

Audrey Hennings, a sophomore at Lincoln-Way Central, stands out for her resilience and dedication in sports. In softball, she is a dependable presence behind the plate. Her tenacity is evident in basketball, where she chases down loose balls fearlessly. Her grit was tested when she injured herself. “During basketball season, I ran into the wall and broke my left elbow,” Hennings shared. “I couldn’t stop in time. That kept me out for about six weeks. It was a tough time.”

On a Thursday, Hennings excelled in both catching and hitting, leading the Knights to a 7-1 victory over Sandburg in the Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal. Hennings contributed with two hits, a run, a stolen base, and an RBI for the team, whose record improved to 7-28. Jenna Lee, another key player, hit a home run and secured the win on the mound. Meanwhile, Hope Davis and Bridget Barz each added two hits to the team’s effort.

In the opposite dugout, Samira Matarieh spearheaded Sandburg’s (19-15) offensive with two hits and an RBI, while Olivia Miele added a double. Hennings started the scoring for Lincoln-Way Central, hitting a single in the third inning and later driving in Juno Lundquist with a single in the fourth. “I was really anxious before the game, but getting that first hit set the tone,” Hennings expressed. “As the leadoff batter, it’s crucial to establish momentum for the team.”

Hennings hails from a family of athletes. Her brother, Aiden, plays as a senior defensive lineman at Lincoln-Way Central with a commitment to Drake University. Audrey herself continues to overcome obstacles. In early April during a WJOL Tournament game, she was hit by a pitch on her injured elbow, exacerbating her previous fracture and sidelining her for an additional four weeks. “When it filled with fluid because I wasn’t fully healed, I became frustrated. I wanted to play,” Hennings said. “But returning to the game brought a lot of excitement.”

Despite the setbacks, Hennings performs impressively, boasting a batting average of .403 this season, with 16 runs and 10 stolen bases. Her coach, Jeff Tarala, praises her. “She possesses that toughness and a positive mindset,” Tarala stated. “She gets visibly annoyed when she doesn’t succeed on the field. Her athleticism makes her quick in making plays. We didn’t have this slapper style with speed before.”

Jenna Lee, a pitcher for the Knights, finds working with Hennings rewarding. “I feel much less stressed with Audrey catching. She knows where I’m going to pitch and positions herself accordingly. We have a conversation for motivation before games. It’s reassuring knowing she has my back,” Lee commented.

Lee recalls an amusing contrast in Hennings’s demeanor. Despite Hennings’s claims of nervousness, Lee observes her confidence. “Audrey comes off as nervous but once she steps on the field, she exudes confidence. I can always count on her regardless of the situation,” Lee said with confidence.

Tony Baranek contributed to this report for the Daily Southtown.