Craig Henderson

Classroom

An anthropology major, Henderson has excelled in his collegiate studies, maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.58. He has received multiple awards for his success in the classroom as well as on the field including: NSCAA Scholar All-America first team (2008); NSCAA Scholar All-Northeast first team (2008); CoSIDA Academic All-District second team (2008); and Academic All-Ivy team (2008).

Character

In 2009, Henderson will serve as team captain for the second straight season. Throughout his career, he has been an exemplary student-athlete and role model for his teammates, peers and local community members. He has overcome an injury that cost him nearly his entire sophomore season and has risen to the ranks of college soccer’s elite. Head coach Jeff Cook said: “Despite his many achievements on the field of play at Dartmouth, in the U-20 FIFA World Cup, and the 2008 Olympic Games representing New Zealand, Craig has always maintained a team-first attitude. He is an exceptional captain and leader within our program, setting a tremendous example for his teammates to follow.”

Community

In addition to excelling in the classroom and on the field, Henderson has always made time for community service. During his time at Dartmouth, Henderson’s activities have included: volunteer and keynote speaker at the 2008 Upper Valley Special Olympics; coach at the Big Green Clinics each spring, donating two days a week to coach aspiring youth soccer players from the area; coach at Dartmouth’s summer camps (among the most popular counselors); and a blood drive volunteer.

Competition

On the soccer field, Henderson is one of the finest players in the Northeast and the nation. A contributor since his freshman year, Henderson has started every game for Dartmouth in the last two seasons, leading his team to NCAA Tournament bids in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Last season, Henderson was the unanimous choice for Ivy League Player of the Year honors en route to an Ivy Championship and NCAA Sweet 16 run for Dartmouth. He was also an NSCAA All-America (third team) and unanimous All-Ivy first team choice. Henderson has tallied 16 career goals and nine assists along with six game-winning goals. Throughout his career he has earned a host of on-field accolades including: Ivy League Player of the Year (2008, Unanimous), First Team All-Ivy (2008, Unanimous), NSCAA All-American third team (2008), second team All-Ivy (2007), and NSCAA All-Northeast third team (2007). Outside of the collegiate game, Henderson has been a staple on his native New Zealand’s national teams. In the summer of 2008, he was a starter for New Zealand’s Olympic team at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Previously he played in the U-20 World Cup (2007) and on the U-17 National Team.