Resilience of Lincoln-Way Central’s Audrey Hennings

Audrey Hennings, a sophomore at Lincoln-Way Central, embodies toughness on and off the field. Whether playing softball as a reliable catcher or basketball as a relentless player, Hennings demonstrates grit through adversity.

During basketball season, she suffered a painful setback. “I fell into the wall and broke my left elbow,” Hennings shared. “I saw it coming, but I couldn’t stop. I was out for about six weeks. It was pretty tough.” Her determination was evident as she resumed playing softball, performing strongly for the Knights in a significant 7-1 victory over Sandburg in a Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal. Hennings contributed with a 2-for-4 batting record, scoring a run, securing a stolen base, and adding an RBI.

With performances like these, teammates Jenna Lee, Hope Davis, and Bridget Barz also strengthened the team with valuable contributions. Lee scored a home run and took the win in pitching, while Davis and Barz each offered two hits.

Audrey comes from a resilient family, with her brother Aiden being a senior defensive lineman committed to play at Drake. Her experiences with injuries didn’t stop with basketball. During a WJOL Tournament game, a pitch hit her healing elbow, sidelining her for another four weeks. “After it happened, it filled up with fluid because the fracture wasn’t fully healed,” she explained. “I was pretty frustrated. I really wanted to play.”

Despite setbacks, Hennings continued to excel. She hit .403 with 16 runs and 10 stolen bases for the season. Her attitude and determination impress Lincoln-Way Central coach Jeff Tarala. “She’s a tough kid with a great attitude,” Tarala said. “She gets ticked off when she gets out. She’s an athlete back there behind the plate.”

Her partnership with pitcher Jenna Lee resonates with teamwork and understanding. “I get so excited when I get to pitch with Audrey,” Lee expressed. “We work really well together. I feel way less tense. She just understands me.” Their pre-game talks foster motivation, establishing a bond that enhances their on-field performance.

While Hennings sometimes claims pre-game nerves, Lee disagrees. “Audrey acts like she’s so nervous and all scared to play,” Lee remarked. “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.’” Their mutual trust fortifies the team’s confidence.

Tony Baranek provides this insight into Hennings’ story, highlighting her resilience and impact as a young athlete.