Eric Henderson

Eric Henderson is a prominent American basketball coach who currently serves as head coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits men’s basketball team. Since becoming head coach, Henderson has had a successful tenure, leading the Jackrabbits to multiple Summit League regular season titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Henderson took the sport by storm playing college basketball at Wayne State College in Nebraska, where he was inducted into the Wayne State College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. After graduating, Henderson joined the coaching staff at Wayne State College from 2001 to 2003, before entering the high school ranks as the girls’ basketball coach at Wayne High School until 2005. He then joined the Iowa State men’s basketball program as a graduate manager and learning specialist, and later returned to coaching high school as the head boys’ basketball coach, athletic director, and principal at Burlington Catholic Central High School. In 2014, Henderson subsequently joined the coaching staff at North Dakota State and was part of the team’s impressive 2015 NCAA tournament squad. Fast-forward to 2019 and Henderson was named the 22nd head coach in Jackrabbits history after working his way up among the coaching staff. A skilful coach, Henderson has been an integral part of the program’s success, compiling a staggering 108-50 overall record.

During his coaching career, Henderson has been recognized for these significant achievements. He was named the Summit League Coach of the Year in 2019-20 and 2021-22, and was also selected by his peers as the NABC District 12 Coach of the Year. His teams have achieved impressive statistics, including leading the country in 3-point field goal percentage and finishing highly in field goal percentage and scoring offense. Off the court, he is also a dedicated family man, spending time with his wife and four young children.