Henry Named Next Tennis Head Coach at Bethel

MISHAWAKA – Bethel Athletic Director Tony Natali is pleased to announce that Jamal Henry has been named as the next head coach of the Men's and Women's Tennis programs.

"We are extremely excited to have Jamal Henry as our next men's and women's head tennis coach," stated Natali. "Jamal brings with him a lot of athletic experience as a three-sport athlete during his time at Bethel. He has experience in the tennis coaching arena as well. Most of all, Jamal has a heart for Christ. He will do an amazing job not only leading these programs in a competitive manner, but more importantly, Jamal will do everything with Christ at the center of the program."

A 2002 Bethel graduate, Henry is the only student-athlete in Bethel athletics history to win an NCCAA National Championship in three different sports—twice with men's tennis in 1999 and 2000, once with men's basketball in 2000, and once with baseball in 2002. He was named an NCCAA All-American in Tennis in 2000 and ranks in the top ten in program history in total wins and win percentage.

"Coaching on the college level has always been a dream of mine and what better way to fulfill that dream than coaching at my alma mater," described Henry. "Being a former player, I have a lot of love and pride for the Bethel University Tennis Team and getting it back to a consistent national championship level—as it was when I was a player—is a goal of mine. I want our BU tennis family to be thought of as one of the elite programs, not only at BU, but in the nation."

Henry served as an Associate Head Coach under Head Coach Brad Foster--who stepped down following the season--in his return at Bethel this year. He has previously served as the John Adams High School Tennis Head Coach and Boys' Basketball Varsity Assistant Coach from 2010-12, as well as the Washington High School Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach from 2003-08. He was also inducted into the Washington High School Hall of Fame in 2008.

Outside of the arena of athletics, Henry served as the Director of Newcomers/New Believers at The. Vineyard Church for two years and is the Marketing Director for PBS Michiana – WNIT. He was named to Michiana's prestigious 40 Under 40 list in 2012 and was active with Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka for six years.

"I use the analogy of a fist for my coaching philosophy," stated Henry. "Five individual fingers representing communication, trust, collective responsibility, care, and pride rolling together as one to make a fist."

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