By Rose Hutchins
Timberlake High School’s Henzley Thomas is ready to take the diamond as she begins her senior year. A true versatile player, she defends her team from behind the plate at catcher, the infield at shortstop, and the mound as pitcher. Beyond softball, Henzley is active in cheer and basketball, making her an example of a quality all-around athlete.
To be an elite athlete takes a great deal of dedication. Henzley explains, “I’ve had to stay committed even when times are tough, push myself beyond my comfort zone, and stay consistent by showing up every day.”
In addition to sports, she knows balancing academics takes strong time management. It means to plan ahead, be organized, and stay focused. This discipline allows her to succeed in both extracurricular activities and studies.
Henzley draws inspiration from her parents, her little brother, and her faith in God, both on and off the field.
“Their love, faith, and encouragement give me the strength to keep pushing toward my goals and become the best version of myself.”
With the unwavering support of her family and her faith, Henzley has found success in sports, starting varsity as a freshman and earning a spot on the All-Conference team in both her sophomore and senior years. She also credits Coach Johnson, who consistently encouraged her to believe in her potential.
To Henzley, representing her school goes beyond competing in sports.
“It’s about carrying the pride, spirit, and support of everyone who believes in me,” she shares.
With that in mind, her advice to the younger generation is to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
“In sports and in life, consistency, a positive attitude, and learning from both wins and losses will help you grow and achieve your goals,” she says, wise words from the senior who leads by example.
Looking ahead, Henzley’s goals are clear: she plans to pursue a degree in radiology. Passionate about helping others, she hopes to use modern technology to improve lives, showing that beyond athletics, she carries the same love and dedication into her community.
