Sophomore Audrey Hennings from Lincoln-Way Central has earned a reputation as a resilient and determined athlete. In softball, she serves as a steadfast catcher, while in basketball, she shows unyielding tenacity, willing to chase down loose balls even if it means running into walls. One such collision resulted in a broken left elbow during basketball season. Hennings recalled, “I fell into the wall and broke my left elbow. I saw it coming, but I couldn’t stop. I was out for about six weeks. It was pretty tough.”
On Thursday, Hennings showcased her skills in a 7-1 victory against Sandburg during a Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal game in New Lenox. She contributed significantly, going 2-for-4 with a run, a stolen base, and an RBI for the Knights, who now stand at 7-28. Notable performances also came from Jenna Lee, who hit a home run and pitched effectively, and Hope Davis and Bridget Barz, each adding two hits.
Hennings began the game with determination, scoring Lincoln-Way Central’s first run in the third inning and driving in Juno Lundquist with a single in the fourth. She expressed her excitement, saying, “It felt great. I was really nervous before the game. My emotions were through the roof. Getting that first one sets the tone for the rest of the game. As the leadoff batter, I have to set that tone and do what’s good for my team.”
Hennings’ toughness extends beyond the field. Her older brother, Aiden, is a senior defensive lineman at Lincoln-Way Central who will attend Drake. She has faced challenges, including another setback in a WJOL Tournament game on April 1, when she was hit on her healing elbow. “After it happened, it filled up with fluid because the fracture wasn’t fully healed, so I was out for another four weeks,” she explained.
Despite setbacks, Hennings remains productive, hitting .403 for the season with 16 runs and 10 stolen bases. Coach Jeff Tarala praises her resilience and mindset, highlighting her intensity and adaptability. “She’s a tough kid with a great attitude,” Tarala noted. “In a good way, she gets ticked off when she gets out. She’s very intense. She’s an athlete back there behind the plate.”
Teamwork with pitcher Jenna Lee further underscores Hennings’ influence on the team. Lee appreciates Hennings’ calming presence during games. “I get so excited when I get to pitch with Audrey,” Lee stated. “We work really well together. I feel way less tense. She just understands me.” The duo shares a mutual trust that enhances their on-field performance.
While Hennings admits to pre-game nerves, Lee recognizes her teammate’s innate confidence. “Audrey … she acts like she’s so nervous and all scared to play,” Lee shared. “Then she comes out and she’s the most confident one on the field. I never look at her and think, ‘Oh, she’s scared.’” Lee confidently relies on Hennings, assured in her teammate’s capabilities.