Brianna Henson has always played softball one step ahead of her peers. That’s because when a pitch comes gliding out of her right hand, it’s usually right on the mark.

Henson — one of four seniors on this year’s Adams County Christian School softball team — leads with a steady, yet peaceful charisma, likely coming from her years of practice with more experienced players.

“My parents always made me play up, but it worked,” Henson said. “Playing with better competition means you get better. The main reason I am here is because of my parents.”

Last season as a junior, Henson accumulated 150 strikeouts and an 8-2 record en route to being named the Player of the Year for MAIS District 4-AAA.

Henson said the guidance she has received from her parents — Misty and Stacy — has only kept her on track with the talent she has garnered since a young age.

“They always say God has gifted me, and I know God has blessed me big time,” she said. “Now, I think I should use it with passion and work hard at it without wasting it.”

Passion isn’t a word Henson takes lightly, either.

When the ACCS standout isn’t playing for the Lady Rebels, she is a member of the Ferriday Gators — a local 19-and-under travel ball team that has won three consecutive state titles in Louisiana.

Henson said she remembers her first year playing for the Gators was when she was 13 or 14 years old.

“If you don’t have passion, you won’t put in the hard work, and I think that hard work equals success,” she said. “I know I can do a lot more work, but I try not to think about it too much. As a senior, I have to be a leader. I just have to go out there and trust my body — trust everything.”

While Henson has only pitched for three years — previously playing shortstop and catcher — ACCS coach Tate Lipscomb has the same reason for granting her the starting position.

“She plays 110 percent the whole time she is out there,” he said. “She is not very much of a vocal leader, but she shows it by how she plays. The team looks up to her. If she does good, they do good.”

The Lady Rebels have worked their way to an 8-2-1 record so far this season, boosted by their three wins this past week at the Bayou Academy Tournament.

After finishing fourth overall in MAIS Class AAA last season, Henson has one major goal for her final season.

“State,” she said. “That’s what I’m really looking forward to.”

ACCS will be back in action at 6:30 p.m. today when it plays at Cathedral.