Henderson selected as new PC volleyball coach

Dale Henderson likes a challenge.

When Henderson arrived at Redwood High School in Visalia in 1997, he applied for the freshman girls volleyball coaching position. He didn't get the job at first but later it was given to him because he volunteered to do it.

A year later, Henderson was the junior varsity coach and a few years after that, he was elavated to head coach. A struggle for sure, but it was well worth it as Henderson's tenure at Redwood culminated with a Valley championship this past year.

Now the former member of the Army and Southern California native is ready to test himself even more. Henderson has accepted the position of Porterville College women's volleyball coach.

“This change has given me so much energy it's like starting all over again,” Henderson said. “I always interested in the college game. I love the sport. I always wanted the challenge of taking that next step in coaching volleyball.

“I'm so excited.”

Henderson takes over for Lisa Davis, who was let go by the college following the 2006 season. Davis restarted a once dormant program in 2001 and got the Pirates to the state playoffs in 2004 and 2005.

The playoffs are only a starting point for Henderson. He envisions Central Valley Conference championhips and berths in the state Final Four.

“I know it's going to be very competitive “ Henderson said. “I definitely want to come in my first year and make the playoffs. And when we're there, make a statement to everyone that Porterville College is for real in volleyball.

One of the ways Henderson said he plans on improving the program is to bring in a broad spectrum of recruits within the Valley i.e. Hanford, Visalia, Tulare, Woodlake and the surrounding areas.

“There are a lot of great athletes and a lot of them attend (College of the Sequoias),” Henderson said. “They don't play the sport. I want to get them back out active and wanting to play.

“COS is a crowded place and if they come to Porterville, they'll get the classes they want and be able to take care of business instead of hanging around for three or four years when they can accomplish (their degree) in two.”

At Redwood, Henderson went 107-47 with 22 of the losses coming in tournaments. He also started his own volleyball club team - V-Town Volleyball Club and coached for the Sequoia Crush.

Henderson graduated from Pomona High School and it wasn't until he was in the Army did he begin playing volleyball. That's where his basketball coaches noticed his leaping ability.

“They saw my jumping ability and took me off the court and made me a volleyball player,” Henderson said. “We won the United States European championships.”

Henderson's philosophy on the sport is one that offense wins. But, he said, he does expect his girls to play defense.

Another thing Henderson expects? It's to win and do it immediately.

“I love to win,” Henderson said. “Nobody hates to lose.

“I want to build a strong team with girls wanting to come out to Porterville due to the success of the program. I want a (program) the community can enjoy and support.”

Contact Sports Editor Mark A. Peinado at 784-5000, Ext 1049 or mpeinado@portervillerecorder.com.

This story was published in The Porterville Recorder on Jan. 26, 2007