Henson chosen to head women’s soccer program
SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University has named Gregory Henson head women’s soccer coach, the school announced Wednesday (June 19). Henson relocates to Concordia from his position as head girls’ varsity soccer coach at Lutheran High School in St. Charles, Mo. The 2011 and 2013 Archdiocesan Athletic Association Coach of the Year replaces Lisa White, who resigned after three seasons as head coach.
Henson is eager to get started.
"I am extremely grateful to Devin Smith, Scott Seevers and President Brian Friedrich for this wonderful opportunity to lead the women's soccer program at Concordia University, Nebraska,” Henson said. “During the entire interview process I felt an immediate connection to the campus community and believe that the administration shares in my vision for the program. I'm excited to get on campus and begin preparing for the fall season. My goal for the program is to continue to build on past success and elevate Concordia to the upper ranks of the GPAC standings."
Henson emerged from the field of candidates in part due to his significant accomplishment over 12 years coaching soccer at the collegiate, high school and club levels. Henson intricately understands the collegiate recruiting scene and is described as a tactician and superb instructor of the game.
“Greg’s array of experiences at different levels of soccer give him a unique understanding of how to mentor and build relationships with both collegiate student-athletes and prospective recruits,” Director of Athletics Devin Smith said. “He has demonstrated an exceptional ability to teach the game and make necessary coaching adjustments throughout the flow of a match. We know Greg will be an excellent representative of this athletic department and university.”
As head women’s coach at Lutheran High School, Henson guided the Lady Cougars to the state tournament quarterfinals and the school’s second most victories in program history this past season during a 17-7 campaign that included Lutheran’s first-ever Class 1 District 7 championship and first AAA Conference championship. For its remarkable season, Henson was named Class 1 Central Region Coach of the Year. He has served as head coach at Lutheran in each of the last three seasons.
In addition, Henson worked as an assistant women’s coach at Lindenwood University in St. Charles for the past two seasons. In this role he contributed in virtually all aspects of the program, including training, game planning and recruiting. He also instructed Freshman Orientation, a two-credit course at Lindenwood.
Prior to his time at Lutheran and Lindenwood, Henson enjoyed a successful tenure as head men’s soccer coach at St. Louis Community College in 2009 and 2010. He directed the Highlanders to the 2010 Midwest Community College Athletic Conference title and was named the league’s Coach of the Year.
Henson holds a United States Soccer Federation National “B” License and Level I Goalkeeping Badge from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He coached at the club level in the St. Louis area from 2001 – 2010 and has, in recent years, held positions as staff coach for the Missouri Olympic Development Program, assistant coach for the St. Louis Lions of the Premier Development League, assistant tournament director for the St. Louis College Showcase and tournament director for the annual Highlander Futsal Classic.
Henson will begin his duties as head women’s soccer coach on July 12. He will also serve as Coordinator of Intramurals and will teach classes within the health and human performance department at Concordia.
Henson holds a bachelor of arts in human resource management from Webster University (1998) and will finish his master of arts in sports management from Lindenwood this summer.
