Speed can kill, especially on the softball basepaths.

In her playing days at Northampton, current Northampton head softball coach Kristy Henritzy used speed to her advantage as she set a school record with 32 in the season.

Now, Henritzy is watching one of her players closing in on her record.

Junior Jojo Siegfried enters Monday’s East Penn Conference (EPC) semifinal against Freedom with 28 swipes. She has been an integral part of the Konkrete Kids’ program, as she was hitting .388 with 15 RBIs and 29 runs scored.

Her coach has realized the potential of her second baseman.

“She plays second, but she can also play shortstop and centerfield,” said Henritzy. “She is super talented and fast.”

Yet, Siegfried hasn’t totally concentrated on her speed.

“I never have really focused on base running that much,” said Siegfried. “I’ve always known I was pretty fast so I always made sure to run hard and get to the base as fast as I could.”

Instead, Siegfried has turned her attention to her hitting.

“The one thing I did work on before this season was my hitting,” said Siegfried. “I knew that I needed to work on it to help out my team this season, and it has worked out.”

Henritzy has watched Siegfried develop her game physically and mentally.

“Jojo is a competitor and her mental toughness has improved,” stressed Henritzy. “She used to get down on herself when she didn’t perform how she wanted to. She has high standards for herself and those around her. I’m proud of how she has grown in this season. Her ability to turn the page quickly and keep moving has allowed for more success.”

Her biggest influences have been her parents, Keith and Nicole, along with her younger sister Madison.

“My biggest influence that has been for this season has been my parents, 100%,” beamed Siegfried. “I can talk to my mom about anything that can be bothering me, and my dad because he goes to the field with me if I want to fix something little. My younger sister plays the sport now. so I like to help her and she loves to come and watch my games too.

“I started softball when I was 5-years-old because my dad wanted me to play. All my friends were playing, too, so I wanted to join.”

Her playing days have included playing for the NAA and the Phantoms before she joined a travel team. One of her favorite memories was traveling to Tennessee with the team on their annual spring trip that proved to be a team-bonding experience.

Siegfried adjusted to the sport in middle school. When she isn’t playing softball Siegfried gets away from the sport by dabbling in art, notably painting.

“I started feeling comfortable playing softball when I was maybe in seventh grade,” recalled Siegfried. “That’s when I finally realized that this is the sport I want to play when I get older, and I hope I to play it in college.”

Until then, Siegfried will continue to show how speed can kill on the basepaths.