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.

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From UTC to NFL: Bradley Central grad Jay Person could be next

by Gene Henley ·March 28, 2024

UTC has proven it can prepare players for the NFL. The former Mocs at Thursday's pro day on Scrappy Moore Field hope to add more evidence.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC edge rusher Jay Person closes in on Kennesaw State running back Michael Benefield during a nonconference game at Finley Stadium on Sept. 9.

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UTC edge rusher Marquise Freeman in line to lead at key position

by Gene Henley ·March 27, 2024

Marquise Freeman moved nearly 3,000 miles away from home to continue his football career out of high school in 2020. He later found his way to UTC.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC edge rusher Marquise Freeman, shown during spring practice on March 7 at Scrappy Moore Field, hopes to be part of the solution to replacing the production lost at his position with the graduation of standout starters Ben Brewton and Jay Person.

Poppie officially named Clemson women’s coach, UTC begins search for replacement

by Gene Henley ·March 26, 2024

Clemson announced former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head coach Shawn Poppie as its new women's basketball coach Tuesday afternoon.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / UTC head coach Shawn Poppie voices his opinion of a official's call. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs hosted the Western Carolina Catamounts in Southern Conference women's basketball on February 22, 2024 at McKenize Arena.

5 intriguing names who could replace UTC women’s coach Shawn Poppie

by Gene Henley ·March 25, 2024

With news circulating that University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball coach Shawn Poppie has accepted the same position at Clemson, the Times Free Press takes a look at five intriguing names to replace him:

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Former Eastern Kentucky head coach and current Tennessee assistant Samantha Williams could be on the list of candidates to take over the UTC women's program.

UTC’s Poppie expected to step down to take over Clemson women’s program

by Gene Henley ·March 25, 2024

After two successful seasons guiding the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball program to Southern Conference tournament championships, head coach Shawn Poppie is moving on.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ UTC Women's head coach Shawn Poppie is expected to resign to accept an offer to take over the women's program at Clemson University.

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Biggest offseason task for Mocs could be keeping Shawn Poppie

by Gene Henley ·March 24, 2024

Another largely successful season for the UTC women's basketball program is over, and now the real challenge begins.

AP photo by Kathy Kmonicek / With his son Kai by his side, UTC women's basketball coach Shawn Poppie waves the cut net in the air to celebrate his team's 69-60 win over UNC Greensboro in the SoCon tournament final on March 10 in Asheville, N.C.

Strong season for UTC women ends with NCAA first-round loss

by Gene Henley ·March 23, 2024

Defensively, the UTC women's basketball team gave itself a chance to compete in the first round of the NCAA tournament Saturday at N.C. State.

AP photo by Ben McKeown / UTC's Raven Thompson (32) drives past N.C. State's Madison Hayes during an NCAA tournament first-round game Saturday in Raleigh, N.C.

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UTC plays its part in growth of women’s basketball

by Gene Henley ·March 22, 2024

Jayda Worthy saw a lot of people attempting to prop up women's basketball in the past, including during her days as a player.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC players join arms as the national anthem is performed before the start of their SoCon basketball game against East Tennessee State on Jan. 20 at McKenzie Arena.

Chattanooga native Ace Bailey a finalist for Gatorade national player of the year

by Gene Henley ·March 21, 2024

Chattanooga native Airious "Ace" Bailey is one of three finalists for the Gatorade national player of the year honor in boys' basketball.

Staff file photo by Patrick MacCoon / Chattanooga native and McEachern High School star Ace Bailey, dribbling, is projected to be a top NBA draft pick in 2025. The Rutgers signee was selected as a McDonald's All-American in his senior season.

UTC women face former coach Wes Moore in NCAA’s first round

by Gene Henley ·March 17, 2024

The UTC women's basketball team will visit North Carolina State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.