ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Aly Henry

West Orange High School rising junior and softball player Aly Henry finished her regular season leading her team with a .481 batting average, a .553 OBP, 39 hits, three triples and 16 stolen bases. She was second on the stats board for scored runs with 30 and a .580 slugging percentage while striking out once in 96 plate appearances. Henry was selected to the FACA All-State Team and the All-Academic Team as well as the Metro West Conference All-Metro Team.

Tell us about your years as a softball player.
I started out playing baseball with my brother (John). When I was about 8 (years old), I played softball at Windermere Little League, and then I went to travel ball. I just love playing the game. 

What do you love most about softball as a sport?
I just love how it brings people together. You can make friendships you never thought would have happened. I love how it pushes me to just be a better person. 

What do you believe softball has taught you not only on the field but also off it? 
(It has taught me) to have confidence, because if you don’t have confidence, you can’t really get places. You have to believe in yourself. 

Do you have a favorite drill at practice? 
I really like long-toss, because I play outfield. It teaches you to just keep pushing yourself. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the softball field? 
I don’t get too stressed about games; I’m always very calm. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team? 
By not getting off track and (focusing) on the end goal — and just (being) a positive spirit on the field. 

Do you have a favorite softball player? 
She quit a couple of years ago, but former University of Florida softball player Kirsti Nerritt. 

What is your favorite thing about your team? 
I love how we can have fun outside of softball, like go to the beach together and have fun.

Do you know what you would want to study in college?
I think I want to be a veterinarian or do something like that. I love animals. 

Do you know where you’d like to go to college? 
The University of Georgia — (that is) my top softball school right now. It used to be University of Florida, but I love the coaches (at the UGA). 

What is your favorite hobby? 
I think shopping with my mom (Katie Henry). 

What do you like to do on the weekends? 
Probably go shopping or go to the beach. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 
My friends, probably music and a bed. 

What is your favorite movie? 
I think the Hannah Montana movie. I grew up watching that movie.

What is your favorite type of music? 
It’s not a type of music, but Taylor Swift. 

What’s your favorite Disney character?
(I think) Hannah Montana.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 
To teleport, because I just need to get places fast. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why? 
Maybe Hawaii, Bora Bora and then Greece. I love beaches; I love tropical places. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
I maybe (would go back) to the 2000s. I like the music from back then and the TV shows. 

What color would you say represents your personality? 
I would say blue, because it’s not too overwhelming. It’s (a) calming color. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 
A sea turtle, just because they get to be free and swim (everywhere) in the ocean.