Versatility Adds to Winning Formula
August 19, 2010 09:44 AM | General
August 19, 2010
Editor's Note: Watch Erica Henderson and the No. 24 WVU women's soccer team open the 2010 season with a Dollar Night match versus No. 11 Penn State Friday night at 7 p.m.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - In every sport, each new season brings fresh talent and additional personalities to a program. Head coaches tend to adjust their approach to each player as some need - or even like - being yelled at to maximize their potential, while others need their ego massaged or seek encouragement in different ways.
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| Erica Henderson has appeared in 42 matches during her Mountaineer career, playing nearly every position on the field.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks photo |
From the first time West Virginia women’s soccer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown had Erica Henderson on the field, she began thinking how she could best use her skill set. Three years later, Izzo-Brown still hasn’t quite found a permanent home for her unselfish redshirt junior.
Henderson’s role always seems to change, not just from season to season, but from game to game. From being the team’s leading scorer to the team’s top defender, she simply does it all when called upon. Her willingness to move around the field has helped the Mountaineers win a BIG EAST Championship and participate in the NCAA tournament in each of Henderson’s three seasons.
“It doesn’t bother me because I like to contribute wherever I can,” said Henderson calmly of her versatility on the field. “Playing offense and attacking comes more natural to me. Whereas being in the back, I have to work a little harder mentally and physically. “
A Rochester, N.Y., native, Henderson has appeared in 42 of 46 matches over the last two seasons. She has earned starts at forward and defender, and has switched positions during the middle of games to help her team.
Despite the uncertainty of where to line up, Henderson’s approach is a refreshing one, one from being on the same page as her leader.
“We’ve had several meetings the past few seasons and Nikki has been very upfront with me,” explained Henderson. “I kind of have taken her response as a compliment, knowing that I can be a versatile player for her. Wherever she needs me, I’m going to play that position and give it my all.”
She has done just that since her arrival as a wide-eyed freshman in 2007 where she spent the season as a redshirt.
“The 2007 team was a great experience and a great team to be a part of. Winning the BIG EAST, advancing to the Elite Eight, and learning from the play of (Natalie) Cocchi and (Krystle) Kallman were very valuable,” recalled Henderson. “I think I learned my mentality on the field from those players, knowing I had to go hard and compete on a daily basis against them.”
Henderson has certainly grown as a player, contributing seven goals and one assist in two seasons. However, last fall proved a little more trying as she fell victim to a knee injury at the end of the season.
“It was a sprained MCL and meniscus, or something like that. It was very bothersome and it made it worse because it came at postseason,” said Henderson. “After working through a hard season, fighting through nagging injuries and some pain, it was a little bit devastating to not be able to be on the field with my teammates. I played 47 minutes against Wake Forest and gave it my all, just going out there and doing what I could. “
“Being down a starter at the end of the year is never good for any coach,” said Izzo-Brown. “But we had to play Erica and take whatever minutes she could provide. She really battled and toughed it out for us. But that is what we expect from her.”
Henderson credits her work ethic and toughness to her parents, Deborah and Michael.
“My work rate probably came from my parents,” said the exercise physiology major. “They - and my whole family really - have done so much for me. The time, money and support have made it possible for me to be a successful student-athlete. They are a definite factor in me working hard and making it as a soccer player at a high level.”
The only spot Henderson has yet to fill sits between the posts at goalkeeper. But don’t think Izzo-Brown has not thought about slapping on a pair of gloves and different colored jersey on her.
“The funny thing is, I have auditioned for some goalkeeping time,” laughed Henderson. “Before we played Virginia in 2008, (Kerri) Butler got hurt and (Mallory) Beck was our only goalkeeper. I had a mini tryout, just in case. It was pretty intimidating back there though. I can jump and dive. I’m just not sure I can put it all together with a ball thundering down on me. “
“I’d disagree with Erica on her athleticism,” said Izzo-Brown. “She’s more athletic than she gives herself credit. For example, she doesn’t run hard to a ball, she runs through a ball. You have to be athletic for me to be able to put you up front, in the back line or at any other position. I’m just confident knowing she’s out there on the field for us.”
Describing what Erica Henderson has meant to the WVU women’s soccer program can’t be accomplished in a few words or simple phrase. Her value to Izzo-Brown and her teammates is all encompassing. Yet, this Mountaineer continues to do her job, knowing her contributions are making a difference and have added to the winning makeup of WVU women’s soccer.
