Red Wolves - IU East

Kristi Henderson's first "job interview" on May 14 netted a position with the Indiana University East women's tennis program.

Henderson, a 2008 Cambridge City (Ind.) Lincoln High School graduate, has signed a letter of intent to play tennis at IU East.

Red Wolves coach Mike Sherer announced the signing May 14.

Henderson - who had a job interview in Cambridge City later May 14 - previously played at IUPUI, an NCAA Division I program.

Henderson played No. 4 and No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles for the Jaguars during the 2008-09 season.

She also was an Academic All-Summit League selection in 2009.

She becomes the first NCAA Division I transfer to sign with IU East's tennis program.

"A player like Kristi brings more credibility to our program," Sherer said. "This will show people you can be a great student-athlete and part of a good athletics program at any level.

"Kristi is going to bring a fresh outlook to the team. She adds to the depth of our roster. We couldn't be more fortunate to have such a fine young lady. She has impressed me from Day 1."

Henderson played No. 1 doubles for Lincoln during her junior and senior seasons in high school.

She considers her net play her strength on the tennis court.

"I feel like I'm a good team player, and that I can bring people together and encourage them," Henderson said.

She plans to major in nursing.

She decided to learn more about the IU East tennis program after conversations with Red Wolves men's tennis signee Josh Morris (Hagerstown, Ind./Hagerstown High School), a classmate at IUPUI.

"I like the smaller atmosphere at IU East," Henderson said. "Here they know you on a personal level."

IU East's women's tennis team will play its first official matches during the fall of 2010.