Photo by: Megan Westervelt

Jesse Henderson, former captain of the University of San Francisco Dons, joins DU’s men’s soccer team this season in the offense as a strong addition of maturity, experience and skill.

After red shirting last season due to medical reasons for a foot injury, Henderson became eligible for two more years of play as a graduate student at DU.

Henderson committed to Cal Tech originally, but then, “found a home at DU.”

As a veteran player, he is already transitioning well onto the team.

“Jesse’s just a great teammate, the way he celebrates with the guys and the way helps the guys on and off the field. He’s just been a great addition,” said Coach Bobby Muuss.

Before starting 24 of his 41 games at USF, Henderson played with the United States U-17 and U-18 men’s national teams from 2002-2006.

He was four-time All-American with the Derby County Wolves club team and a three-time All-American at Lahser High School in Michigan. He then carried this experience to help the Dons reach a pair of NCAA Tournaments.

Henderson now has high hopes for the Pioneers in the NCAA Tournament.

“We’ve got to win conference for sure and then once we get into the NCAA’s, it would be nice to get a first round by and then make a run from there,” said Henderson.

While the Pioneers made it to the NCAA Tournament last year with a strong showing, Henderson’s ambitions have taken the goals a step higher. With their success last year, DU will now host their first ever Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament giving them a home advantage in the conference.

With high objectives set for the team, Henderson can now utilize his versatility and experience playing for a new school to help DU achieve even more this season.