Growing up, softball has been a constant in Kiley Henritzy’s life.

The Northampton junior shortstop has grown up in a family where sports has been a staple. Her mom, Kristy, is the varsity softball coach.

However, there was a time when Henritzy took a different route. She was an elite state performer in the vault, beam, bars, and floor exercise.

“I started playing softball around age five, but then I took a little break and started doing gymnastics,” recalled Henritzy. “Then in middle school, around 11 years old, I started softball back up.”

Since then, Henritzy has excelled in the field. She played multiple positions before she settled in as the Konkrete Kids’ shortstop.

At one point about halfway through the season, Henritzy was hitting .355 with five doubles, 14 RBIs, 12 walks, 14 runs, and a .556 on-base percentage. Now the girls will prep for districts and a first round matchup at Nazareth on Thursday.

Her family sports background has certainly helped her along her way. Her father, Chad, is an assistant football coach at Northampton, and her older brother Caden, is a linebacker at Stonehill College. Her mother was a Northampton and Kutztown University standout.

“Growing up in a sports family is pretty awesome,” beamed Henritzy. “With both my parents, and my older brother Caden Henritzy also being athletes, I know they will always support me, and push me to be the best athlete I can be.”

The younger Henritzy hasn’t felt uncomfortable being coached by her mother.

“My mom has coached me pretty much throughout my softball career, except middle school,” reflected Henritzy. “I always kind of been comfortable with the game of softball, because that’s what I grew up with and trained for.

“Playing for my mom is always a great thing, but regardless if I am her daughter or not she never treats me differently than anyone else.”

Her mom has treasured their trek together along the way.

“Kiley is a lot of fun to coach,” beamed her mother. “She works really hard and is a student of the game. Watching her grow up around softball and sports has been amazing. As her coach, I see how she has mentally grown over the past two seasons. She is the type of player that is not selfish and is more concerned with the team and how we are progressing.

“She started playing softball seriously after her gymnastics career ended. She was at the top of the class in gymnastics. When she decided to play softball I was excited because I would be able to coach her.”

Henritzy gained her comfort zone in softball simply by applying a solid work ethic. He realized the game is as much mental as physical.

“I became more comfortable with the game when I just put my head down and worked and trusted my ability to play,” noted Henritzy. “This game requires confidence, so when I am able to feel confident is when I feel most comfortable. The part of the game I definitely had to work on the most is the mental side of the game.

“Softball is a very mental sport the older you get, so when you don’t have short term memory when making a mistake it makes the game harder on you. Mentality is definitely the part I had to work on most.”

After playing JV, Henritzy has appreciated all of her experiences this year.

“My favorite memory of softball has probably got to be from this year when our team was in Tennessee for spring training,” said Henritzy. “All the memories I make with this team this year will all be my favorite.”

Yet, for Henritzy, it all comes down to family.

“I cannot thank them enough,” stressed Henritzy about her family. “

Their support for me is like no other. They understand the mind of an athlete, so no matter the outcome of any game they are always there for me every step of the way.”