Gene Henley

Gene has covered sports in the Chattanooga area since 2008 and has ascended from covering preps to colleges in his time. He primarily covers UTC athletics, a job he's held from 2013-18 and again since 2020, having spent two seasons covering Tennessee pre-pandemic. Gene played four seasons of college basketball and has a 20-year son named Judah who plays at Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.

Subscriber Exclusive

UTC’s ‘money games’ vs. FBS foes probably not going anywhere

by Gene Henley ·June 14, 2026

The SEC's impending retirement of "cupcake weekend" might not be quite so bitter a pill to swallow for Football Championship Subdivision teams like UTC.

Alabama linebacker Quandarrius Robinson (34) tackles UTC running back Reggie Davis (36) at Tuscaloosa's Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023. Alabama, which won 66-10, will host the Mocs again during the 2026 season. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Mocs struggle on third day of NCAA men’s golf tourney, tie for 26th

by Gene Henley ·May 31, 2026

UTC entered the third day of the NCAA Division I men's golf tournament in a good spot, positioned to come back Monday for the final round of stroke play.

UTC file photo / UTC redshirt sophomore golfer Ward Harris had his best round of this year's NCAA tournament on the third and final day of competition for the Mocs, shooting a team-best 73 on Sunday in Carlsbad, Calif.

Subscriber Exclusive

Chattanooga enjoys renaissance as host for championship sports events

by Gene Henley ·May 30, 2026

The city of Chattanooga decided it was going to once again showcase its ability to be a choice destination for championship events in the athletic arena, both on a state and national level.

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / University of North Georgia softball fans cheer after a three-run homer by the Nighthawks in their 5-0 victory against Glenville State in an elimination game at the NCAA Division II tournament Saturday at Frost Stadium.

UTC golfers move up four spots, tied for 14th with Vols at NCAA tourney

by Gene Henley ·May 30, 2026

The UTC men's golf team remains in contention for a spot in the final rounds of the NCAA tournament after putting together a strong Saturday in California.

UTC Athletics photo / From left, UTC freshman Griffin Law and coach Blaine Woodruff are hoping for another good round for the Mocs on Sunday, the final day of the NCAA Division I men's golf tournament before the 30-team field is cut to the top 15 for another 18 holes of stroke play.

UTC men tied for 18th after first day of NCAA golf tournament

by Gene Henley ·May 29, 2026

UTC men's golf coach Blaine Woodruff said the Mocs were "not far off" from where they need to be after the first round of the NCAA championship tourney.

UTC file photo / UTC junior Camden Braidech opened with a par round of 72 in the NCAA men's golf championship tournament Friday in Carlsbad, Calif.

Schmidt named new UTC women’s golf coach

by Gene Henley ·May 26, 2026

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's golf program announced that Virginia assistant Annie Schmidt will be the program's new head coach.

Contributed photo/New University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's golf coach Annie Schmidt was most recently an assistant coach at the University of Virginia.

Subscriber Exclusive

Chattanooga Christian rallies to repeat as DII-AA softball state champ

by Gene Henley ·May 23, 2026

In the space of a single inning, a week of turmoil and travel finally went the way of Chattanooga Christian's softball team.

Staff photo by Seth Carpenter / Chattanooga Christian softball coach Steven Rogers embraces Nyla Halfacre, right, and Neely Fillman after the Lady Chargers beat Baylor 4-1 to win the TSSAA Division II-AA state championship Saturday at Frost Stadium.

UTC men’s basketball associate head coach Scott Greenman resigns

by Gene Henley ·May 22, 2026

UTC announced Friday that men's basketball staff member Scott Greenman is leaving the coaching ranks after nearly two decades to focus on his family.

UTC photo / UTC men's basketball assistant Scott Greenman, left, goes over strategy with head coach Dan Earl during a game. Greenman is departing from the program after four seasons and pursuing a career outside of coaching.

Subscriber Exclusive

McCallie’s effort, belief pay off with fifth soccer state championship

by Gene Henley ·May 21, 2026

There had been a contagious energy around the McCallie soccer program all season.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / McCallie players celebrate their 3-1 victory over Briarcrest Christian in the TSSAA Division II-AA state final Thursday night at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Subscriber Exclusive

Notre Dame leads early but falls short in Division II-A boys’ soccer final

by Gene Henley ·May 21, 2026

Maybe the distractions were too much for the Notre Dame boys' soccer team in the end.