Danny Hensley has spent 23 years building Niceville softball into one of the premier programs in the state of Florida. A state championship in 2011. Six state championship game appearances. Seven final four appearances. Seventeen district titles.
- Now, the longtime Lady Eagles head coach has added another line to his résumé: 500 career wins.
Hensley reached the mark last Thursday in a 17-3 road win over Tate that was never in doubt.
Molly Mayfield crushed a three-run homer, Annabelle Shackelford and Natalie Miller each hit home runs, and Chloe Bailey was untouchable in the circle, throwing three hitless innings with five strikeouts.
Prior to Niceville’s 4-3 win over Greenwood (Ky.) on Friday night, Hensley was honored in a pregame ceremony. But when asked about the milestone, Hensley pointed to everyone around him.
- “It’s very gratifying. I’m so grateful to be here, having so many wonderful players, and the support from this community,” Hensley said. “You don’t do something like this without a lot of great players. That’s the key. I try to coach hard and all of that stuff, but if you don’t have the talent or the support of the community it’s impossible. And I’m so blessed to have that.”
With Friday’s win, Niceville sits at 14-6 on the season.
The Lady Eagles still have several tough matchups remaining down the stretch against Pace, Navarre, Northview and South Walton, but this roster has the look of a team that could make a deep postseason run — and give Hensley a shot at his second state championship.
