The Thomas County Board of Education has approved the hiring of Ashley Henderson as Thomas County Central High School’s head football coach. Henderson will officially begin work on Thursday, February 1.
Henderson comes to the Thomas County School System from Valwood School in Hahira, Georgia, where he served as head coach for six years. While a coach at Valwood, he led the team to state championships three times, and celebrated being region champs five times.
“I’m very excited about becoming the head coach for Thomas County Central High School,” Henderson said. “Thomas County Football has great tradition and a standard of excellence that we want to build on. I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys and putting in the work to build on this rich tradition. Thomas County Central is a special place, and I’m proud to be a part of the Thomas County family.”
Henderson has been coaching for 15 years. Prior to serving as head coach at Valwood, Henderson served as offensive line coach at Valdosta High School and served as running backs and kickers coach for Valdosta State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Master of Instructional Technology, and Education Specialist of Coaching Pedagogy all from Valdosta State University.
Growing up in Valdosta, Henderson played high school football for Coach Nick Hyder at Valdosta High School. He played college football at Georgia Tech with Thomas County Central standout Joe Burns.
“My first impression of Thomas County Central many years ago was a good one. I used to drive Joe Burns home from Georgia Tech, and former Head Coach Ed Pilcher embraced me and treated me like part of the family. I realized then and still believe that the school and the football program are first class. It is something I feel honored to be a part of.”
Henderson said, “When the position came open at Thomas County Central, I knew it was a place I would like to move and set up roots there.”
Henderson and his wife, Megan, have been married for seven years. They have two sons, Charlie, who is 4, and Jack, who is 2.
“Thomasville is a beautiful place and a great community to raise a family,” Henderson added. “Megan and I look forward to making it our home for a very long time.”