Valwood Headmaster Dr. Darren Pascavage announced today the hiring of Ashley Henderson as Head Football Coach of the Valwood Valiants. Henderson takes over for Brannon Tidwell, who has coached the Valiants for the last three seasons and led the team to the 2010 and the 2011 GISA Class AA semifinals.
Henderson brings both playing and coaching experience to the Valwood program. Henderson played offensive line for Georgia Tech and Valdosta State University. Prior to graduating from VSU, he was a student assistant coach under former Head Coach Chris Hatcher and current Head Coach David Dean. As a VSU graduate assistant, Henderson coached running backs and kickers.
Dr. Pascavage noted, "From the very beginning of the search process, we were looking for an individual with experience as a player and a coach at the collegiate level, in addition to experience with a successful high school program. Ashley Henderson brings that mix of prior experience, and his philosophy of coaching is consistent with Valwood's mission. We are happy to welcome Ashley and his family to the Valwood School community."
For the past eight years, Henderson has served in a variety of roles within the football program at Valdosta High School, including Offensive Line Coach, Tight Ends Coach, Assistant Scouting Coordinator, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. While at Valdosta High, Henderson has coached eleven All-Region players, three All-State players, one ESPNU Top 50 player and one Under Amour All-American. Nine of his former players have gone on to play college football.
Henderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology, and an Education Specialist Degree in Coaching Pedagogy. In addition to coaching, Henderson has seven years of experience in the classroom teaching computer applications, accounting, health, and personal fitness.
Henderson will officially begin his tenure as Valwood's Head Football Coach on May 7th with the first day of spring practice.
