Randi Henderson was WashU’s women’s basketball coach for seven seasons. (Photo: Thomas Grove)
CLAYTON, MO — Randi Henderson, who has been the head coach of the Washington University women’s basketball program since 2017-18, has stepped down. Henderson leaves WashU after seven seasons with a record of 103-54.
Henderson will become an assistant coach at her alma mater, Division I University of Iowa, where she was a three-year starter and team captain for the Hawkeyes.
“We are appreciative of Randi Henderson leading our program for the last seven seasons, adding to the legacy of WashU Women’s basketball,” WashU Directors of Athletics and Associate Vice Chancellor Anthony J. Azama said. “She established a culture of excellence, inclusivity and empowerment while simultaneously impacting lives beyond the sport of basketball.”
In her time on the Danforth Campus, Henderson led the Bears to four NCAA Tournaments and one UAA title. WashU has recorded double-digit winning seasons, all over .500, in each of her seasons at the helm.
Henderson has mentored three All-Americans while at WashU: Madeline Homoly (2018-19), Maya Arnott (2022-23) and Jessica Brooks (2023-24). Additionally, this past season, first-year Lexy Harris was named the d3hoops.com National Rookie of the Year.
Ten Bears have earned All-UAA honors under Henderson’s guidance, with five garnering two or more accolades: Madeline Homoly (twice), Natalie Orr, Rachael Sondag (twice), Stephanie Botkin, Becca Clark-Callender, Kristina Schmelter, Samantha Weaver (twice), Maya Arnott (twice), Jessica Brooks (thrice) and Lexy Harris.
Six players have gone on to earn All-Region honors: Madeline Homoly (twice), Natalie Orr, Kristina Schmelter, Maya Arnott, Jessica Brooks (twice) and Lexy Harris.
The Bears won the UAA title in 2018-19, going 13-1 in conference play. They also reached the Elite 8, leading to Henderson being named Central Region Coach of the Year by d3hoops.com. The Bears’ coaching staff was also named UAA Coaching Staff of the Year that season.
A national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.