Softball is a game similar to baseball played with a larger ball on a field that has base lengths of 60 feet. I will also start by saying that this sport is a sport where a lot of dedication is needed, and that I am 100% sure that NHS players have it.This team has become like a family for them as well as in each practice they earn new things and at the games they show it.

NHS softball is run by Jamie Henk. Henk is a Houston native that started playing softball at the age 4 years old and continued for 16 years after that. Since the 3rd grade, Coach Henk has always wanted to be a softball coach that teaches Health Fitness. She now gets to live that dream every day here at Northbrook High School as the softball and volleyball varsity coach.

“She has been my coach since freshmen year. Not only has she helped me in softball, but also in life,” says Leslie Esparza.

Coach Juan Gomez was born in Mexico City. Even from an early age, he was attracted to all kinds of sports. He moved to the United States with his family at the age of 11 to Katy, Texas. Most recently, he was at Beckendorff Junior High coaching just about everything; football, basketball, soccer and even pole vault. He is beyond excited to continue his career at Northbrook, coaching football and making a return to softball.

This year, the Ladys Raiders (Softball) are trying to go to the most important event: THE PLAYOFFS.

PLAYOFFS means a competition played after the regular season by the top competitors to determine the league champion or a similar accolade.

“We came as strangers, and we’re leaving as sisters,” said Leslie Esparza.