Ex-Shiprock coach lands gig at Farmington

FARMINGTON

Larenson Henderson will finally get a chance to wear his favorite color.

The former Shiprock girls’ basketball coach has been hired as the new Farmington girls’ coach.

Henderson said it is a bittersweet experience as he is leaving behind six seasons at Shiprock, which he called home.

“My favorite color is green so I really don’t have a problem with it but you know, red runs in the blood too,” he said. “I coach to coach players to improve and be better, no matter where I am.

“I’m going to make sure they get the best of out of them and I’m going to make sure they get the best out of me,” he said.

His hiring comes just over a month after his contract was not renewed for a sixth season at Shiprock.

Henderson said he was shocked at the nonrenewal but happy that a new opportunity awaited.

“The opening was there and I think they welcomed me with open arms,” he said. “I was asked to apply and went through an interview, there were some parents and administration there, the way I thought an interview should go. I didn’t really think I was going to try to get it but they were very impressed.”

At Shiprock, Henderson earned six district coach of the year titles and led the team to six district championships, as well as one state coach of the year. He also led the Lady Chiefs to a state title in 2017.

Farmington Municipal School Athletic Director Frank Whalen said Henderson was an obvious pick for the job.

“Just his coaching career and record speaks for itself,” he said. “He’s been successful everywhere he’s coached. He brings a lot of experience for the position, a lot of experience in the sport.”

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