Scots Tab Lucas Henderson to Lead Women's Soccer Program
Monmouth, IL (12/15/2020) — Lucas Henderson has been named Monmouth College women's soccer coach.
Henderson comes to Monmouth after serving as the inaugural women's head coach at Bryant and Stratton College in Wisconsin since 2017.
"Our search committee felt that Lucas provided a quality blend of talents that will work well for the current team members and the new recruits that come into the Fighting Scots program," said Monmouth Director of Athletics Roger Haynes. "Coach Henderson's squad upset two nationally ranked teams during the 2019 season, which displayed his ability to recruit and develop quality talent in his program. He brings a personality that will be well-liked by our players and a knowledge of the game that will make the Monmouth women's soccer program even stronger."
In two seasons at Bryant and Stratton College, Henderson guided the NJCAA Division II program to a 14-10-1 and two NJCAA playoff appearances. Under Henderson, the Bobcats earned nine All-Region selections, two All-American nominees and two Academic All-Americans.
Henderson inherits a Monmouth team that made its first NCAA postseason appearance in 2019 after winning the Midwest Conference tournament. The Scots finished the 2019 season with a program-record 14 wins, earned their seventh United Soccer Coaches' All-Academic Team award and a program-record 19 Midwest Conference All-Academic honors.
Henderson said that Monmouth's successes on the field and in the classroom made it an attractive place to coach.
"I was drawn to Monmouth College not only because of the beautiful campus and facilities, but also the electric energy and culture of the athletics program as a whole," said Henderson, who is a 2016 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in history. "I had fantastic conversations with President (Clarence) Wyatt, Roger Haynes, and many other staff who seem to align with my approach to higher education."
Henderson has extensive coaching experience from the youth to semi-professional ranks. He most recently served as director of goalkeeping for Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club during their 2020 season. That made him well-prepared to take on the Monmouth head coaching role during this pandemic school year.
"The plan is to get in touch with and truly connect with the student-athletes on the roster, immerse myself in the Monmouth College culture, and hit the recruiting trail hard," said Henderson. "I can't wait to get acquainted with the city and my colleagues as well.
"A massive thank you to Director of Athletics Roger Haynes, President Clarence Wyatt and the rest of the hiring committee for making this opportunity possible for me. Also, I'm so thankful to the administration at Bryant and Stratton College for a great three years."