NJIT's Jason Henderson Named 2021 NCAA Men's Team Coach of the Year Finalist

After leading the NJIT fencing programs to a fourth place team finish at the 2021 National Collegiate Fencing Championships, head coach Jason Henderson has been selected as a NCAA Men's Team Coach of the Year Finalist the United States Fencing Coaches Association announced on Wednesday.

In his second season at the helm of the Highlanders, Henderson joins Juan Ignacio Calderon (UC San Diego), Omar Elgeziry (Air Force) and Gia Kvaratskhelia (Notre Dame) as Men's Team Coach of the Year finalists.

"It is such an honor to be among this esteemed list of coaches," said Henderson. "I am incredibly proud of my team for their perseverance this season. They have succeeded in so many ways this season academically and athletically amidst unprecedented challenges. It has been remarkable to see the outpouring of support from the entire university all season and especially during the championship. I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring NJIT onto the national stage."

Henderson guided a program-best 11 fencers (six men; five women) to a fourth place team finish at the 2021 NCAA Fencing Championships.   Between the two squads, the Highlanders racked up nine All-American accolades (five men; four women).

Junior Robert Hondor finished third in the men's epee competition, marking the best individual finish for a men's fencer at the NCAA Championships.

Women's fencer Marina Arrese was named the Elite 90 Award recipient of the Championships, becoming the second female Highlander to have earned the prestigious Elite 90 Award.

Freshman Paula Zugasti represented Spain at the 2021 Junior World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, recording a second place team finish.

In addition to coaching at NJIT, Henderson is a full-time faculty member of the Sport Management program at Rutgers University and graduate faculty member of the Global Sports Business masters degree program at Rutgers University.

The Coach of the Year award winner will be announced during the week of April 19-23.

Stay up to date during the 2021 NJIT men's and women's fencing season by following @NJITFencing on Twitter and Instagram and liking the NJIT Fencing Team page on Facebook.