Bonnie Henrickson had plenty of reasons to smile Monday, and it wasn’t just because athletic director Lew Perkins said Henrickson, Kansas University’s women’s basketball coach, could outdrive him on the golf course.
Nearly a month after she was hired as KU’s fifth head women’s coach, Henrickson made her first public appearance — her inaugural radio call-in show at Henry T’s Bar & Grill, 3520 W. Sixth St.
Perkins — the former Connecticut AD who admired Henrickson when she was coach at rival Big East Conference school Virginia Tech — cracked up a crowd of about 50 people when he lauded Henrickson’s heroics on the links.
But support from a large contingent of KU staffers and more than a dozen Jayhawk fans in attendance pleased Henrickson the most.
“It’s fantastic. But that’s been the sentiment since we got here,” said Henrickson, who compiled a 158-62 record the past seven seasons as Hokies’ coach. “People are enthusiastic and excited about the direction we’re headed and want to get involved and be supportive of the program.”
That seemed to be the case Monday.
Not only did Henrickson hear from well-wishers in the audience and on the phone, a former Virginia Tech fan made sure Henrickson knew she would be missed in Blacksburg, Va.
“We just want to wish you the best,” said a caller, Patty. “But we don’t think the band will be playing your song anymore here.”
Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets band would play “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” for Henrickson at every home game.
Perkins joked he hoped her new tradition wouldn’t be outhitting him when they played golf.
“You know if she can hit like that, she has to be able to coach,” Perkins quipped.
One of Henrickson’s new fans, Liz Botkins, said KU’s coach beamed enthusiasm.
“This is great, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the women’s program right now,” said Botkin, a member of the Courtsiders — the official booster club of KU’s women’s basketball program. “Her enthusiasm is just wonderful, she has a whole new outlook on everything.”
So do the returning Jayhawk players, Henrickson said.
“We’re most pleased about how receptive the players have been,” she said. “We’ve not one time had an attitude or effort issue. They’ve embraced change. Right now, they’re very eager to please. They want to get it right.”
Henrickson, who seemed to say all the right things during her first live half-hour show, said she hoped Tuesday was just the beginning of something bigger.
“If we can get each person here to bring 10 of their friends to our first game, we’ll really be off to a great start,” she said.
