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.

Three former Mocs receive NFL opportunities outside of draft

by Gene Henley ·April 29, 2023

McClendon Curtis, Devonnsha Maxwell and Ty Boeck didn't get drafted this weekend, but their NFL hopes remain very much alive.

Chattanooga’s McClendon Curtis persevered to become NFL prospect

by Gene Henley ·April 27, 2023

Former Central, UTC standout on brink of pro football career

Innovation is needed for SoCon to keep up with changing times

by Gene Henley ·April 22, 2023

In recent months, the Southern Conference has come under fire for what has been perceived to be some antiquated ways of viewing the current college landscape.

UTC golf undergoing resurgence heading into SoCon Tournament

by Gene Henley ·April 21, 2023

John Houk needed a new challenge.

Bradley’s Carpenter leads Tennessee all-stars past Georgia squad

by Gene Henley ·April 20, 2023

Wearing the same jersey Thursday night she donned for four years in high school, the same one she dreamed of growing up, Bradley Central guard Sloan Carpenter's final act as a player ended the same way so many others did throughout her career.

Chattanooga Red Wolves taking ‘business trip’ as they try to overcome slow start

by Gene Henley ·April 20, 2023

There may be a moment Friday when Chattanooga Red Wolves forward Alex Tejera looks across the pitch, sees a former teammate wearing colors of the North Carolina Football Club and feels a bit nostalgic.

UTC’s Devonnsha Maxwell an NFL prospect with history of proving doubters wrong

by Gene Henley ·April 14, 2023

Despite a record-setting UTC career, Devonnsha Maxwell knew questions would persist about his professional potential as the NFL draft approached.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell dives on the ball as part of a fumble drill during a UTC practice last August at Scrappy Moore Field. After putting together one of the best careers in Mocs football history, Maxwell hopes to be in an NFL training camp later this year, possibly as a draft pick.

UTC star Jake Stephens ready for his next professional challenge

by Gene Henley ·April 11, 2023

Jake Stephens cannot order his next steps.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC's Jake Stephens (33) is unsure of the next move of his basketball career, but he's ready for the challenge.

UTC’s pro day gives Soddy-Daisy’s Ty Boeck chance to show his skills

by Gene Henley ·March 31, 2023

There isn't much clarity as to where Ty Boeck could end up as he pursues professional football opportunities, but there certainly are possibilities.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Ty Boeck, a UTC linebacker the past five seasons after a standout prep career at Soddy-Daisy, returned to the Mocs' Scrappy Moore Field on Friday for the program's pro day. Boeck starred on defense for the Mocs, but he could play on offense at the next level.

UTC’s Shawn Poppie receives national coaching award for first-season success

by Gene Henley ·March 29, 2023

Well, recruiting just got a little bit easier for UTC women's basketball coach Shawn Poppie.