Presbyterian Medical Services Athlete of the Week 04/02/2025 Aztec Junior Kamora Henry

Article by WallyD

Kamora Henry: Aztec Softball’s Dual-Threat Ace Propels Tigers Toward the Top

Great players rack up statistics, but true leaders inspire their teams to reach new heights. Aztec High School junior Kamora Henry is doing both for the Tigers softball team this season. After a phenomenal week in which she led Aztec to three straight victories – including a statement win over Class 5A Sandia – Henry has been named the Presbyterian Medical Services Athlete of the Week. Her performance on the mound and at the plate not only filled the box scores, but also energized her teammates and pushed Aztec closer to the summit of District 1-4A.

A Week of Dominance

Henry’s recent stretch of games was nothing short of spectacular. In a span of three games, the Tigers toppled the Sandia Matadors (a Class 5A program) 9-3, and notched high-scoring district wins over rivals Kirtland Central (18-8) and Bloomfield. Henry was at the center of it all.

At the plate, she went 7-for-11 across the three victories, driving in nine runs and even blasting a home run to lead the offensive onslaught. As Aztec’s cleanup hitter, she seemed to come through whenever the Tigers needed a big hit, whether it was a bases-clearing double or a clutch homer to pad the lead. Her power and consistency in the batter’s box put constant pressure on opposing defenses.

Dominating in the Circle and at the Plate

What makes Henry truly special is her ability to dominate the game both as a pitcher and as a hitter. When she’s in the pitching circle, Henry is Aztec’s ace and one of the top strikeout artists in the region. During the three-game winning streak, she racked up an astounding 22 strikeouts, baffling hitters with her mix of speed and control. In one game, she was nearly unhittable – yielding just a single hit and no earned runs while striking out 11 batters in a five-inning performance​

In another outing, she fanned eight batters over six innings​

to secure the win. Batters struggled to catch up to her fastball and were left guessing at her off-speed pitches. Henry’s dominance in the circle has been a hallmark of her career she won 15 games last season and finished second in all of Class 4A with 181 strikeouts​ earning all-state honors for her efforts.

Yet, remarkably, she’s just as impactful with a bat in her hands. Few pitchers can also lead their team in hitting, but Henry is that rare dual-threat. Her 7-for-11 tear at the plate this week showcased her keen eye and power; whether crushing an inside pitch to the fence or battling through an at-bat to drive in a run, she gives opposing coaches plenty to worry about on both sides of the ball.

Leading by Example

Beyond the gaudy numbers, Henry has embraced a leadership role on a talented Aztec squad. Now in her third year as a varsity contributor, she’s a player her teammates look up to – both for her talent and her tireless work ethic. Aztec head coach Josh French, who has coached Henry for four years, is effusive in his praise:
“I have had the privilege to work with Kamora for the past four years. What’s great about Kamora is she is an incredibly hard worker. She always strives to become a better player, whether in the field or in the batter’s box. Kamora constantly puts in the work to give us the best chance to win. It has been an absolute honor being able to coach and watch her grow over the years,” French said.

Indeed, whether it’s staying late after practice to get in extra swings or encouraging a younger teammate, Henry leads by example. Her presence has helped foster a culture of hard work and confidence on the team. Younger players see their star pitcher putting in the extra effort, and they follow suit. Henry’s influence in the dugout and locker room is just as significant as her impact between the lines.

Eyes on the District Title

With Henry spearheading their charge, the Aztec Tigers have their sights set on the District 1-4A crown. Thanks to the recent wins over Kirtland Central and Bloomfield, Aztec is near the top of the district standings, battling neck-and-neck with rivals for first place. Last season, the Tigers narrowly missed a district title, finishing with an 8-2 record in district play with both losses coming against eventual state champion Gallup​

Now a year older and with Henry playing some of the best softball of her career, Aztec is poised to challenge for the top spot and make a deep run in the state tournament. Henry’s veteran poise and will to win will be crucial as the pressure mounts in the coming weeks. If her recent performances are any indication, she’s more than ready to rise to the occasion. Her leadership, both in spirit and in stats, has the Tigers believing that anything is possible.

Congratulations to Kamora Henry, the Presbyterian Medical Services Athlete of the Week! Presbyterian Medical Services is proud to recognize athletes like Kamora who excel both on and off the field as student-athletes.

PMS Farmington Community Health Center. Schedule your appointment today at pmsnm.org.

I