Yesterday Wisconsin lost one of its better coaches as Patti Henderson resigned from women's tennis in order to pursue interests outside of college athletics.
""It is with deep gratitude and appreciation to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department and Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez that I step away from my position as the women's tennis coach and follow my heart to pursue my new dream,"" Henderson told UW Athletics Communications.
Henderson has revolutionized women's tennis during her time at Wisconsin, leading her teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and the school's first ever Big Ten Conference title.
Henderson's teams at UW often ranked among the top in the country, including a No. 7 ranking during the 1995â_'96 campaign.
In 1995-'96, Henderson led Wisconsin to its first ever NCAA Regional, and completed the front end of back-to-back 22 win seasons.
Henderson was honored by her conference peers as Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1996 and 2002. She received further distinction in the Midwest, earning Region IV Coach of the Year honors in 2002.
""I came to Wisconsin an eager fan of Madison with a belief in UW and Badger athletics. I leave UW with love in my heart for Wisconsin athletics and a knowing of the commitment to excellence this athletic department strives for,"" Henderson said.
