MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois University women's soccer program has announced Ross Henderson as its next head coach. Henderson will play a key role in rebuilding the program. 

"I am incredibly thankful and proud to be given this opportunity to become a part of Western Illinois Athletics and become a Leatherneck. I am eager to get into the Spring semester with the team and get the ball rolling. The platform for us to succeed is there thanks to previous leadership, the department is one that fits in with my aspirations and values in coaching and in life, which is what drew me to the department knowing it is one we can succeed in," said Head Coach Ross Henderson. "I back my experience in the game and coaching philosophy to continue the growth of this program and continue to inspire student-athletes at Western Illinois University, as has always been the goal in my career. The conference is a very challenging and ever adapting one, that is an exciting challenge for us, which I look forward to attacking with the team."

Before coming to WIU, Henderson spent the past four seasons as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Clayton State University (CSU) from 2021-2024. During the 2024 season, Henderson led the Lakers to the most wins in the program since 2019 and tied its program record for the fewest losses in a season with a record of 8-3-6.

"Coach Henderson's experience, both as a player and as a head coach, were high on my criteria when seeking the person to lead our program," said Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb. "His commitment to excellence and passion for the sport, I believe, will help us reach our goals as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and establish our program within the league and region."

Henderson was officially named the sixth head women's soccer coach at CSU in December 2021 after serving as the interim head coach during the 2021 season and as an assistant coach for the previous three seasons. He achieved his UEFA B-License Diploma in Berlin, Germany, and aims to continue his soccer education.

During Henderson's stint as interim head coach, the team won the CSU President's Cup for their performance, academic excellence, and community service. In his first season as the permanent head coach in 2022, Henderson's team had the highest GPA in the athletic department and were nationally ranked for community service. During the 2023 season, the Lakers went 7-7-3 and captured their first .500 or better season since 2019. 

Henderson's coaching career accomplishments include: 

• 24 career wins

• Nine CSC Academic All-District Selections

• Seven All-Conference Players

• Two D2CCA All-Southeast Region Selection

• Two United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Selection

• One D2CCA All-America Selection

• One National Player of the Week

• One Elite 16 Award Winner

Prior to Clayton State, Henderson played professionally for Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) from 2014 to 2017. During that time, he helped lead the club to three straight South Atlantic Division Championship in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He served as team captain in 2016.

Henderson played his collegiate soccer at Erskine College from 2012 to 2015, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in business administration. He was a three-time All-Conference Carolina selection and earned first-team honors in 2013 and served as a team captain his final two seasons. Henderson also holds a B-Tec Diploma in sports development, coaching and performance from Lincoln College in England.