ABILENE – Head women's basketball coach
Julie Goodenough has announced the addition of Kenisha Henry to her staff as an assistant coach. Henry comes to ACU after spending the last five seasons at former Southland Conference rival Central Arkansas. Henry takes over the position vacated by Erika Lambert, who has accepted a head coach position at the University of North Florida.
"I am very excited about Kenisha joining our staff and the Wildcat family," said Goodenough. "While at UCA, she coached some of the best defensive teams that we have ever faced. She has proven to be a very good defensive strategist and is good at motivating her players to become selfless lock down defenders. Coach Henry will be a great ambassador for ACU and our program with her love for Jesus, her integrity and tireless work ethic."
While at UCA, Henry coordinated with head coach Sandra Rushing and the experienced players to develop the curriculum and play book. The Sugar Bear defense allowed no more than 61 points per game in five seasons and allowed right around 40% shooting from the floor from 2018-23 as well.
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to join the Wildcat family," said Henry. "I have had the opportunity to compete against and watch Coach Goodenough while in the Southland Conference, and I have admired her program and her team's level of play for a long time. It is such a blessing to have a chance to be a part of, and continue to build a championship-caliber team. I am ready to embrace and be embraced by the community of Abilene."
Henry coached multiple all-conference players in her time in Conway, including Lucy Ibeh and Randrea Wright, who were named to the All-ASUN teams in 2022. Ibeh was also named the 2021 Southland Newcomer of the Year and to the all-defensive team, while Taylor Sells was named all-Southland and all-defensive in 2020. Henry also coached Kamry Orr, an all-Southland and all-defensive team player, in 2019.
Henry led practice sessions with players practicing drills, honing techniques and scrimmaging to put practiced skills into play, and conferred with assistant coaches to determine weaknesses in current team roster and develop recruitment plans.
The veteran coach also oversaw the academic side of the Sugar Bear program from 2021-23, with the team putting together a grade point average of 3.0
Henry assisted with creating our strength and conditioning program in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 season, and was a big part of the recruiting process as well.
"This is a great hire for ACU," said legendary former Central Arkansas head coach Sandra Rushing. "Coach Henry has a tremendous work ethic and is passionate about coaching basketball. Kenisha is very thorough in all areas of her professional life. She is a highly motivated person with an outstanding personality and works well with people. She exhibits a tremendous caring spirit and can inspire young people to do their best in every endeavor. I am so happy about this opportunity for her."
Henry's duties at ACU will include being the defensive coordinator, point guard development coach, and alumni and community involvement coordinator.
Prior to her time in Conway, Henry was the head girls basketball coach at her high school alma mater, J.Z. George, in North Carrollton, Miss. She played collegiately at Delta State University where the Lady Statesmen won 86 games and made three NCAA Tournament appearances.
