Coach's Corner: Thomas Henderson

Building Relationships, Raising Standards, and Leading with Heart at Huston-Tillotson University

As Huston-Tillotson University celebrates its 150th anniversary—its sesquicentennial, as Athletic Director Thomas Henderson proudly proclaims—it’s clear that the school’s legacy is in capable hands. Henderson isn’t just leading the athletic department; he’s inspiring a culture of excellence rooted in relationships, resilience, and relentless care.

A Texas Native Returns Home

Born and raised in Central Texas, Henderson’s path to HT is steeped in service, mentorship, and hard work. From coaching high school basketball at Killeen Ellison, Phyllis Wheatley, and Reagan High School, to a successful stint as an assistant coach at the University of St. Thomas, Henderson’s journey has always been about more than wins.

It was at Phyllis Wheatley, in particular, where he realized his deeper purpose: “I was more than just a coach—I was a mentor, a father figure. Coaching became a calling.”

That calling brought him to HT 12 years ago, where he began as the head men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director. In May, he’ll complete his doctorate from the University of Miami—becoming the first in his family to do so. “My mom is peacock proud and honeymoon happy,” he said. “She saw the cap and gown and just cried.”

Leading with Relationships First

When asked what he credits for turning struggling programs around, Henderson doesn’t hesitate: “Young people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

At every stop, he’s prioritized building relationships with student-athletes—spending time on campus, being visible and accessible, supporting other departments, and showing up at chapel each Thursday, when the entire HT community pauses for spiritual reflection.

“Chapel isn’t just a tradition—it’s part of the culture,” Henderson said. “Our students see me there, our president is there. It’s about presence and being part of their lives.”

From Coach to Campus Leader

Becoming athletic director was a shift—not just in title, but in mindset. “Basketball is inside. Now I’m outside at soccer in August, baseball in February, bundled up, watching our kids compete. That matters to them,” he said.

But the transition also required Henderson to learn how to lead adults. “At first, I was like, ‘Do this, do that,’ but I had to step back and realize—coaches need the same support and relationships that athletes do.”

Now, he leads with empathy, vision, and the same energy that powered him as a coach. And while the work has expanded, the foundation remains the same: connection.

Recruiting the Right People—Athletes and Coaches

As a former coach, Henderson has a sharp eye for talent. But at HT, recruiting is about more than stats or accolades. “We know you can play. What else? Are you humble? Are you a worker? Can you go pro in life, not just the sport?”

HT’s student-athletes are reminded constantly that success isn’t just about the court or field—it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and being part of a community that lifts you up.

The same philosophy applies to hiring coaches. Henderson looks for passion, humility, and alignment with the university’s mission. “Can you sweep the floor? Wash the uniforms? Be okay without a manager? That’s real life at HT,” he said. “And we need people who love it enough to say yes.”

The Power of Showing Up

Henderson sees athletics as a window into the soul of the university. “You can’t sit in every classroom or walk every hall—but you can come to a game and see what we’re about,” he said.

At HT, those games are packed. Community, alumni, students, and staff show up—because athletics is about more than sports. It’s about pride. It’s about unity.

“When you see the AD on the sidelines, the president in the stands, and the whole campus out to support? That’s the HT experience.”

Advice to Aspiring Coaches and ADs

Henderson doesn’t sugarcoat the grind of climbing the ladder. “You’re going to have to starve to start. You won’t get rich early on. But if you love it, if you really love it—you’ll make it.”

His biggest piece of advice? Find a great mentor. “I was blessed. My high school coach, my AD—these people saw something in me and poured into me. And now I try to do the same for others.”

He’s also quick to challenge the notion of partial commitment. “You wouldn’t tell your wife you’re 50% committed, right? Or even 95%. You’ve got to be all in. If you’re leading people, you owe them that.”

Looking Forward at HT

As HT transitions into a new athletic conference and prepares for its next chapter, Henderson is focused on building momentum—through continued investment in student-athletes, intentional hiring, and preserving the school’s deeply rooted culture.

From Thursday chapel to Saturday game days, from new hires to national tournaments, everything is guided by the same principle: How you do anything is how you do everything.

To learn more about Huston-Tillotson Athletics or connect with AD Henderson, visit Huston-Tillotson Athletics.