By Jack Begin

Cony track coach B. L. Lippert describes senior Kiara Henry as the "x-factor" on the girl’s track team.

Henry is the only discus and shot thrower on the girl's track team and already state qualified. She is ranked No. 2 with the javelin in the in-class B behind her teammate Julia Reny.

“I’d like to win states in the discus and javelin, and maybe break the school record,” Henry said.

It’s a bold statement but not unattainable.

Coach Lippert said Henry’s form is, “by far the best I’ve ever seen. If she can get her footwork down, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll win states.”

That’s quite the compliment for a first-year track athlete.

But track isn’t the only sport she’s participating in this spring. Henry is a multi-sport athlete and a starter for the Cony girl's lacrosse team. She’s a captain and a true leader on the field where she has dominated as a starter since her freshman year at Cony High School.. Each day after school, Kiara goes to the track early and throws until her three o’clock practice for lacrosse.

The overlap is most difficult on game day. Henry often goes to the lacrosse game first and gets a ride to the track meet to throw after. Because it’s her senior season, she feels like the commitment is worth it.

“I didn’t get a sports season last spring, so I’m just trying to make the most of my last season at Cony," Henry said.