LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Director of Athletics
Dana Skinner announced the appointment of
Danielle Henderson as the new head coach of the River Hawks' softball program on Wednesday. An Olympic Gold Medalist and former University of Massachusetts All-American, Henderson comes to UMass Lowell after serving as an associate head coach at her alma mater in 2014.
"Danielle brings a commitment to developing the complete student-athlete," said Skinner. "In addition, her prominence in the sport of softball will bring immense credibility to our drive toward excellence in the America East and Division I."
Prior to last season, Henderson worked on the Massachusetts coaching staff from 2000-03 under National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Famer Elaine Sortino. Massachusetts went 187-86-1 during Henderson's five seasons with the program, including 171-64 from 2000-03 with four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and Atlantic 10 titles. In 2002, she helped guide the Minutewomen to a 33-game win streak and 53 total victories.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to coach at UMass Lowell," said Henderson. "I think this is a great time to be a part of River Hawk Athletics. The forward momentum of the university, coupled with the traditions of the athletic department, make this a great place to coach. I'm excited to continue to build upon the success of the softball program."
After serving as a private pitching instructor and playing professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league for the Akron Racers, Arizona Heat and New England Riptide, Henderson spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio State (2011-12) and Stanford (2013). In 2013, the Cardinal went 39-21 and finished the season ranked 21st in the country, while advancing to the finals of the NCAA Lincoln Regional. Under Henderson's tutelage, Kelsey Stevens was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team after compiling a 15-7 record, a 2.99 ERA, a team-high 163 strikeouts, seven shutouts and a perfect game against Virginia.
A native of Commack, N.Y., Henderson captured a gold medal as part of the U.S. National Team at the Pan American Games in 1999 before helping Team USA to its second consecutive Olympic Gold Medal at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia.
Henderson, a four-year standout at Massachusetts (1996-99), was a three-time All-American, a four-time All-Atlantic 10 selection and the only four-time Atlantic 10 Tournament Most Outstanding Player in league history. She finished her collegiate career with 25 school records and was second all-time on the NCAA strikeout list with 1,343 (currently 20th). As a senior in 1999, she set an NCAA record for consecutive scoreless innings, hurling 105 empty frames from March 16-May 2 en route to winning the Honda Award as the nation's top college softball player. She also posted a 26-game win streak that year (Feb. 27-May 21), which was the seventh-best streak in NCAA history (currently 11th).
In her four years in Amherst, she posted a 108-35 record in 161 appearances (964 innings) with a 0.70 ERA, 72 shutouts and 135 complete games. Henderson threw an unprecedented 14 no-hitters and three perfect games, helping Massachusetts to four A-10 championships, four NCAA Regional appearances and a pair of Women's College World Series (WCWS) appearances (1997, 1998). She was also named to the 1997 WCWS All-Tournament Team. In 2001, she had her jersey number (44) retired at Massachusetts, becoming the first and only player in program history to receive such an honor. In 2002, she was inducted into the New England Women's Sports Hall of Fame.
Henderson received her bachelor's degree in sport management from Massachusetts in 1999.
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What They're Saying about Danielle Henderson"
Danielle Henderson is a born leader of young women. Any program would be fortunate to have her on their coaching staff. As a former UMass star that also has experience as a player at the Olympic level, UMass Lowell has hit the lottery."
-- Ken Eriksen, Head Coach
University of South Florida Softball
USA Softball National Team
"UMass Lowell has made a great hire in
Danielle Henderson. Her experiences in the sport - playing at UMass, being an Olympian and Honda Award Winner, working in our program, as well as Stanford and Ohio State - have set her up for success. I have no doubt she is prepared and ready to take over at UMass Lowell and lead them to success both on and off the playing field."
-- Kim Callicoatte, Associate AD/Compliance
University of Massachusetts
"Danielle is an outstanding teacher. She is committed to developing the whole student-athlete by creating an environment for them to optimize their academic and athletic talents and skills. She will develop a winning program at UMass Lowell."
-- Gene Smith, Director of Athletics
The Ohio State University
"UMass Lowell has made a tremendous decision in hiring
Danielle Henderson to be their next head softball coach. She has played at the highest level and on the biggest stage, as an All-American at UMass Amherst, in the Olympics and in her professional experience playing for the New England Riptide. Her coaching stops at UMass Amherst, Ohio State and Stanford have prepared her well to lead her own program. Danielle is very familiar with the Northeast and I know she will bring in quality recruits who will continue to help lead the transition into Division I and the America East Conference. The America East Conference is a very competitive conference, and I know Danielle will assemble a team that will achieve on the field and in the classroom. I am very excited for Danielle to lead this program and to compete against her and her team here in the Northeast."
-- Kathryn Gleason, Head Coach
Boston University Softball
Danielle Henderson Career Year-By-Year Years | Team/School | Position | Record | Notes |
1996-99 | Massachusetts | Pitcher | 108-35 | Three-time All-American Four-time All-Atlantic 10 Team Four-time All-Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP |
1999-2000 | U.S. National Team | Pitcher | 3-0 | Gold Medal - 1999 Pan American Games Gold Medal - 2000 Sydney Olympic Games |
2000-03 | Massachusetts | Assistant Coach | 171-64 | Four NCAA Tournament Regional Appearances Four Atlantic 10 Championships |
2004 | Arizona Heat (NPF) | Pitcher | 8-4 | |
2005-07 | New England Riptide (NPF) | Pitcher | 23-18 | 2006 National Championship |
2011-12 | Ohio State University | Assistant Coach | 45-60 | |
2013 | Stanford University | Assistant Coach | 39-21 | Advanced to finals of NCAA Lincoln Regional |
2014 | Massachusetts | Associate Head Coach | 16-22-1 | |