Aug. 7, 2012

STANFORD, Calif. - Former UMass star and Olympic gold medalist Danielle Henderson has been named the new Stanford assistant softball coach, as announced by head coach John Rittman today. Henderson replaces Trisha Ford, who left the program in June to become the head coach at Fresno State.

Henderson comes to The Farm from Ohio State, where she spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the Buckeyes.

"We are extremely excited to add Danielle to our coaching staff," said Rittman. "She has a complete understanding of what it takes to compete and perform at the highest level both as a player and a coach."

Before arriving in Columbus, Henderson instructed individual and group pitching lessons for six years after serving four years as an assistant coach at her alma mater (2000-03).

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to coach at Stanford," Henderson said. "The Cardinal has been one of the top programs in the nation for several years and I am excited to join its program."

A member of the gold medal-winning 2000 U.S. Olympic softball team in Sydney and 2001 Women's Pro Softball League Gold team, Henderson brings valuable pitching expertise to The Farm.

Henderson is considered one of the most decorated athletes UMass has ever produced, rewriting the softball record book in her four seasons on the mound. A four-time All-Atlantic 10 selection and a four-time A-10 Tournament Most Outstanding player, Henderson finished her career second all-time on the NCAA's strikeout list with 1,343. A three-time All-American, she was also the nation's leader in strikeouts per seven innings in both 1998 and 1999.

Henderson, a native of Commack, N.Y., earned her bachelor's degree in sport management in the spring of 1999 from UMass.

"I couldn't be more delighted that Danielle is joining our program," said Rittman.