Sam Henderson named interim softball head coach

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Officially announced on Friday, September 22, Sam Henderson has been named the Oakland University Interim Head Softball Coach for the 2024 season.

Joining the Golden Grizzlies' staff as an assistant coach in 2020, Henderson succeeds Lauren Karn, who accepted the head coaching position with the Big Ten Conference's (B1G) Maryland Terrapins earlier in September.

"I am extremely excited to be named the interim head coach of the Oakland University softball program," said Henderson.

"First, I want to congratulate Coach Lauren Karn and the amazing foundation she has built here at Oakland. I wish her all the continued success in her next journey. I want to thank Steve Waterfield and Ashley Stone for their commitment to the program's success and allowing me this opportunity to lead the program.

"Oakland University encourages success in the classroom, on the field and in life - which aligns perfectly with my vision. I believe in a culture that allows for student-athletes to believe in themselves, a place to learn, grow and develop all while competing for a Horizon League championship.

"I hope to empower our young women to be the best versions of themselves and future leaders of the world. I hope my passion for this sport, this team and the future of this program is contagious to all who are around. I can't wait to get started, Go Golden Grizzlies!"

A native of Hancock, Michigan, Henderson played four seasons in the Horizon League with Detroit Mercy from 2012-15 and then spent three years on the Titans' coaching staff as a graduate assistant from 2017-19, helping lead the program to a Horizon League title in her final campaign.

"I am very happy that Sam will be leading the Golden Grizzlies softball program this year and am excited for her to build on the excellent foundation Coach Karn established," Oakland University Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield said.

"Sam's remarkable leadership, character and coaching expertise best position this year's team to pursue a Horizon League Championship and I look forward to seeing what she and the team accomplish this year on and off the field."

Henderson takes over a program that has won at least 21 games and advanced to the Championship Game of the Horizon League Tournament in each of the last three seasons, winning it and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2022.

Looking ahead to the 2024 campaign, the Golden Grizzlies return redshirt senior right-hander Sydney Campbell, the Horizon League Pitcher of the Year in 2023, as well as outfielders Maci Brown and Alissa DiPrima and graduate student shortstop Reese Ruhlman.

A national search for Oakland's permanent head softball coach will commence toward the end of the 2024 season.

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