Spotlight: Lou & Mary Henson

Lou and Mary Henson have been a team for over 50 years. They married during Lou’s senior year at New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now New Mexico State University).

Lou’s first teaching/ coaching position was at Las Cruces High School where he earned state championships in 1959,’60 and ’61 before moving to the college ranks at age 30. He coached at Hardin-Simmons University and then returned to his alma mater in 1966.

During Henson’s first tenure at NMSU, teams reached the NCAA tournament in five consecutive years, including the university’s only Final Four appearance in 1970. After compiling a record of 173-71, he moved to the University of Illinois where the records just kept coming.

Henson became the winningest coach in Illinois’ history. He compiled 11 seasons with 20 or more wins, 12 NCAA appearances and another trip to the Final Four in 1989. Next stop – Retirement.

However, NMSU needed him and once again he answered the call, assuming the head coach position in 1997. In the following seven seasons, Henson accumulated additional honors for himself and his alma mater before retiring from coaching in early 2005.

In October 2004, Lou and Mary were recipients of the NMSU Foundation’s Branding Iron award in recognition of their service to NMSU. The are received honorary degrees from New Mexico State during the spring 2005 Commencement exercises.

The Hensons have supported a number of programs on the campus and throughout the community. An endowed scholarship for student athletes will be one of their permanent legacies at New Mexico State University and their friendly team spirit is an inspiration to us all.