Henderson Lady Lions coach younger generation at summer camp

Published 5:48 pm Thursday, July 24, 2025

HENDERSON — Members of the Henderson High School softball team got to serve as coaches this week in a two-day youth camp at Jamie Hand Field.

Camp ran Monday and Tuesday, with Henderson’s head coach John White leading about 20 players between grades 3-9 through batting, pitching, catching and fielding exercises for two hours at a time. Campers hailed from not just the Henderson area but also schools like Garrison and Jefferson.

When the campers split into two teams for scrimmages, the high school players were by first base and third base or in the dugout coaching the younger girls.

Varsity players like Anna Cheek, Niya Vanzandt, Kenidii Hogg, KK Brooks and Madisyn Washington agreed that camps like these are important not just for teaching the younger generations but also bettering themselves as players.

“It’s a good opportunity to get better at the little things,” said Hogg, a rising sophomore. “And I really like coaching little kids. It’s great for them to be out here.”

Washington, a rising junior, particularly enjoys it as an aspiring coach herself.

“I saw my sister, Mikeya Washington, volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club, and it just made me want to get involved helping younger kids,” noted Washington about what inspired her to pursue that career path. “And I like being able to se the kids have fun.”

“I feel like it shows how we were at that age and how we can help them to get how we are,” said Vanzandt who’ll be a senior this year. “I like how funny they are. They’re really funny and they’re really smart about the game already at a young age.”

“Yeah, a lot of the girls are not that old and know so much already about the game, so I don’t even have to tell them anything,” added Cheek, who’ll be one another one of the veteran players this year as a junior.

“I remember when I used to go to these camps I always admired the older girls,” said Brooks, a senior. “I can see some of myself in them. Especially with the catchers. I can critique them and help them with their technique.”

Brooks added that a big way she enjoys mentoring the younger players is through giving advice on the recruiting system for college softball. Brooks is set to make her college choice in the next two months and senior teammate and pitcher Jacie Boothe made a verbal pledge to Louisiana State University of Alexandria in December.

“I think it’s really nice that me and Jacie can pass that down. I know a bunch of sophomores that Jacie and I have been helping to get recruited. We’re helping them with profile sheets and social media,” said Brooks.

Rising seniors like Brooks and Vanzandt are both experiencing bittersweet feelings about going into their final year playing for Henderson.

“I’m excited but also said because I really love this team,” said Vanzandt. “I don’t want to leave but I’m ready to see what the future holds.”

“I’m just ready for the next chapter,” said Brooks. “I loved playing for Henderson. I love high school ball, and I’m very sad and scared that I have to leave it, but I’m just ready to see what my future brings and what college I pick.”

Other Lady Lions helping out at camp this week were Boothe, Jalynn Brown, Vayda Long and Shevelle Schaeurmann.

This year the Lady Lions are coming off a 25-8-1 season where they were co-district champions and area round finalists.