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Q&A with Utah Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Jace Henderson
8/6/2025 11:31 AM | Women's Basketball
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah women's basketball will kick off the next chapter in the 2025-26 season. The Utes have some familiar faces returning to the program but will also welcome several new faces, including new assistant coach, Jace Henderson.
Henderson joins Utah after spending the previous three seasons at Nebraska. She joined the Nebraska women's basketball program as a graduate assistant manager in August 2022 and was elevated to a full-time role where she spent two seasons as the director of player personnel, development and influence. Prior to her time at Nebraska, Henderson served as an assistant coach at Montana in 2020-21, after spending 2019-20 as a graduate assistant with the Lady Griz, where she also spent her collegiate career.
UtahUtes.com recently talked with Henderson about what drove her to become a Ute and how she got into coaching.
What drew you to Utah and the women's basketball program here?
I have been following the program's success over the past four seasons, as a former coach and friend of mine, Jordan MacIntyre, has been working on staff. When she called to see if I was interested in becoming a Ute I was excited! I have enjoyed watching the grittiness, the style of play and the togetherness they have built. I also knew that Jordan shows up as a coach every day and that the staff aligned with my focus on developing players on and off the court to become confident, educated, and empowered women.
What's your go to advice to inspire an athlete? Or when an athlete needs a pep talk?
It depends on the athlete in my opinion. Life is a journey and basketball replicates the lessons we need to learn individually. Each new challenge is an opportunity to grow. Being able to sit and problem solve what lesson there is to learn and support that athlete through that challenge is so important to me. I often talk about the power of our mindset and how we choose to take life for what it is and move forward.
Why did you become a coach?
This changed for me over my lifetime. Originally, I grew up wanting to be a coach because I thought it was something I could pair my passion for watching people grow and feed my competitive spirit every day. When my late fiancé died, I wasn't sure I was qualified to lead people through hard things. Then through God's grace, healing, and a lot of hard work, I've found a whole new passion for why I coach. I coach because life is hard, but I know there are incredible things to achieve on the other side of hard. Teaching others how to learn through the struggles, reminding our players they have support and that they are capable has brought a new kind of passion into my life.
Do you have a mentor, who is it and what's the best advice they ever gave you?
The first one to come to mind is my mother. She grew up teaching me how to empower others based on their strengths and differences. I can't define the best advice but one thing she's taught me is how to show up for others.
How do you reset or regroup after losses or tough practices?
I reflect on where I feel our team needs my intention and I focus on that the next day. I stay true to the energy I bring on a consistent basis and help our team with a next play mentality.
What is something in your coaching career that you're most proud of?
Being a part of a Big Ten tournament run to finish second against Iowa in the 2023-24 season, Caitlin Clark's senior season. That team bought into being a part of something greater than their own personal success.
What's your favorite line from any movie?
I have three and all from Shrek but we'll go with . . .
That'll do donkey, that'll do!
If the genie granted you three wishes, what would you wish for?
1a. House on Whitefish Lake
1b. Great healthcare for our entire country
1c. Endless Acai bowls for life from Honest Eatery
What's the first thing you look for when looking for potential Utes?
Heart and passion for the game and their team. I look to see if their energy is contagious. I love when I can see a player cares and will lay it all out there, no matter if it's the big stage or a game on the side basket.
Mic'd up with Coach @jace_henderson???#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/2ZmOnQqNv6
— Utah Women's Basketball (@UTAHWBB) July 16, 2025
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