Danielle and Isabella Henning were freshmen on the Owensboro Catholic softball team that won the 3rd Region Championship in 2017 and made a deep run at the state tournament. The twin sisters had aspirations of returning to state this season as seniors — a goal that will likely remain unresolved.
Like many other daily activities and outings, COVID-19 robbed several student-athletes of an opportunity to take the field just one more time. Danielle and Isabella are fortunate that they are able to further their softball career at Indiana State University after graduation.
“Indiana State was very welcoming and had a family-like feel to it,” Isabella said. “The coaches were great and it seemed like a perfect fit.”
Owensboro Catholic softball coach Jeremy Phelps labeled the twins as utility players and cited their versatility as a key component in propelling them to the next level.
“There’s not much they can’t do. They’ve been incredible in any position we put them in,” Phelps said. “I think they just want to win. They will do whatever it takes to win.”
Isabella, who also plays basketball for the Lady Aces, was at Rupp Arena set to take the court for the Sweet 16 when the team received the news that the tournament had been postponed. Less than a week later, she and her softball teammates were informed that all spring sports and activities were postponed indefinitely.
Fellow senior teammates include Randchelle Johnson and Katie Hagan.
“It’s been really hard on them, too. It’s been hard on all of us,” they said. “We’re fortunate that we have college to look forward to. It just ended so quickly.”
The abrupt end to the season is something that caught several people off guard. Concession stands were stocked, fields were groomed, and players and coaches alike had been preparing since last fall.
“As a coach, you feel bad for the seniors,” Phelps said. “We never had the opportunity to talk about that last game. It’s tough. It’s tough on everybody.”
While the fields remain empty, the duo is using the opportunity to spend time with their family but also to work on their softball skills. From hitting on a tee in the garage to playing pitch and catch in the backyard, they’re grateful that they have each other with which to explore these uncharted waters.
“Every morning we work out and go run to stay in shape,” Danielle said. “We’ve been hitting off a tee and challenging each other in the backyard, doing everything we can.”
