Inside Nola Henry’s journey from Connecticut Sun intern to Unrivaled head coach

Internships don’t typically lead to head coach positions.

However, Nola Henry, who interned for the Connecticut Sun in 2020, defied the odds through hard work. Now, just four years later at age 29, this former college basketball player has landed a big opportunity: she will be one of six head coaches for Unrivaled, working with top players like Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Angel Reese, Brittney Sykes, Lexie Hull, and Azura Stevens on the Rose Club team.

“I’m thrilled and thankful for the chance to coach these incredible players,” Henry expressed during her media introduction. “I look forward to the strategic aspects, but I’m also eager to build relationships with the players, tackle the X’s and O’s challenges, and kick things off.”

Nola Henry’s Journey to Unrivaled

Henry, a former basketball player standing at 5’7, played at UMass Amherst and later at the College of Charleston. In 2018, she joined Farleigh Dickinson University as a graduate assistant coach.

Most of Henry’s coaching experience comes from her time with the Connecticut Sun. She spent almost five years in Uncasville, working closely with head coach Curt Miller in player development, video analysis, and team operations.

When Miller moved to the Los Angeles Sparks as head coach in 2022, Henry followed and became one of his key assistant coaches.

“I started as an intern in Connecticut, so I’ve come a long way,” Henry reflected. “Curt has been incredibly inclusive, allowing me to be part of high-level discussions and experiences that have prepared me for this chance.”

In LA, Henry gained Miller’s trust and even served as interim head coach for two games. This marks her first head coach role.

As part of her responsibilities with Unrivaled, Henry collaborated with the other coaches to assign the league’s 34 players to six teams, akin to preparing for the WNBA draft.

Rose Club Players: Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics), Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever), Azura Stevens (Los Angeles Sparks)

“I’ve learned a lot working with Curt, who’s very collaborative in drafting players,” Henry remarked. “Unrivaled has raised the bar in terms of logistics and discussions.”

Miller was recently let go by the Sparks and took on a GM role at the Dallas Wings.

Given this change, Henry is uncertain about her future in the WNBA: “I’ll focus on where I end up as the WNBA season nears, but for now, I’m embracing the present and the opportunity at hand.”

At 29, Henry is the second youngest coach in Unrivaled and one of two women, the other being Teresa Weatherspoon.

“I’m honored to be one of two black women on the staff and paving the way in this inaugural season,” Henry stated. “It’s a responsibility I take seriously.”

Henry is eager to get to work and grow in her new role.

“I anticipate personal and professional growth, challenges, and accountability,” Henry added.

This piece is part of a series highlighting the six Unrivaled head coaches. You can also explore the stories of Andrew Wade, DJ Sackmann, and Adam Harrington in the basketball world.