Joanna Henry is in her 10th season with the Scarlet Knights and her fourth as the associate head coach. Henry completed a Master’s Degree in Global Sports Business at Rutgers in May of 2019 and an MBA in Strategy and Leadership in May of 2023.
Henry’s efforts have helped the Scarlet Knights reach new heights on the course and in the classroom. Since 2016, the team has earned four tournament wins, totaled 33 top-five team finishes, and set program records on a team and individual level for 18, 36, and 54-hole tournament scores. Academically, the program has produced 51 WGCA All-America Scholars and 38 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, in addition to being recognized by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association as one of the nation’s top 25 programs in academic performance in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
In 2023-24, Henry helped lead RU to the most successful season in program history. For the first time ever, the Scarlet Knights received a postseason invite, competing in and winning the second annual National Golf Invitational Championship. It was RU's second team title of the season, with the program also winning its home tournament – The Rutgers Invitational – in April. In conference play, the Scarlet Knights secured their best-ever finish at Big Ten Championships, tying for 11th place out of 14 teams. As a team, RU set program records for season scoring average (+8.05), rounds of par or better (5), birdies (436), eagles (8), 54-hole scoring (-13, Westbrook Invitational),
Individually, Rikke Nordvik won the individual title at the Rutgers Invitational and Leigha Devine set program records for single-season scoring average (+1.21), single-season rounds of par or better (18), low round to par (-7, Westbrook Invitational), 54-hole scoring (-11, Westbrook Invitational), single-season birdies (114), single-season eagles (3), single-season par-4 scoring (4.1), single-season par-5 scoring (4.87), career scoring average (+2.89), career birdies (311), career eagles (5), career rounds of par or better (36).
Henry helped Rutgers continue to raise the bar in the 2022-23 season. The Scarlet Knights captured the team title at the Rocket Classic in the fall, with Leigha Devine (Badger Invitational) and Rikke Nordvik (Rocket Classic) each winning individual titles. Devine's score at the Badger Invitational also set an event record.
The season saw numerous program records set both as a team and as individuals including the team's 54-hole total of 3-under 861 setting a program record by four strokes and the first 54-hole score under par. RU also set program marks with 293 birdies a 4.2806 scoring average on par fours. Leigha Devine set single-season records for scoring average (+1.67), birdies (86), par-5 scoring (4.9083). She also set the RU record for career rounds of par or better with 18. Maeve Rossi set a trio of program records with career birdies (265), rounds (135) and counting scores (122).
A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Psychology and Business Management, Henry competed on the women’s golf team for the Lions. She posted a career low 71 (-1) in her sophomore season and concluded her career with three finishes in the top-fifteen, including a best finish in 4th place.
Off the golf course, the Southern California native demonstrated strong leadership skills for the Lions and was named captain her senior season. Also serving as the Community Service Coordinator, she helped the women’s golf program become leaders in community outreach for Columbia Athletics.
During her time at Columbia, Henry worked for the Athletic Communications Department, assisting the administrative staff with data from over thirty varsity teams and numerous athletic events. Additionally, she spent four years working under the Facilities and Operations department at the campus’ primary fitness center, with an emphasis on daily operations.
In 2014, as a Player Development intern for the Southern California PGA, Henry assisted with the organization and management of thirty junior golf competitions and local community events, which included planning event logistics and coordinating volunteers.
She has previously worked at the Orange County Golf Academy in Southern California as the Assistant Academy Director for junior golf programs and clinics. It was there that Henry got her start in junior golf instruction, as well as becoming involved with golf operations and administration.
