Mitch Henderson turned 50 over the summer and now enters his 14th season as head coach of the Princeton Tigers. Coming off a 19-11 season, Princeton is aiming to extend its streak of top-four Ivy League Mitch Hendersonfinishes to seven straight years, a testament to Henderson’s stability and leadership.
Since taking over in 2011, Henderson’s teams have finished outside the top four in the Ivy League just once, during the 2017-18 season. That was also the only year his Tigers ended with a losing record. His track record of consistency has made him one of the most respected coaches in mid-major basketball, combining disciplined play with the tradition of Princeton’s rich basketball history.
The 2022-23 season remains the high-water mark of Henderson’s tenure. The Tigers captured national attention by upsetting Arizona 59-55 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and dominating Missouri in the second round. Their thrilling run ended in the Sweet 16 against Creighton, but it reignited pride in a program known for smart, team-oriented basketball.
First Time Dancing
Henderson first guided Princeton to the NCAA Tournament in 2017, where they narrowly fell to Notre Dame in Buffalo. Since then, the Tigers have continued to thrive, earning multiple Ivy League titles and building a winning reputation under his leadership.
Before his coaching career began, Henderson was a standout player for Princeton. He captained the 1997-98 team that went 27-2 and swept all 14 Ivy League games. The previous year, his team closed the regular season on a 19-game winning streak, a run that still stands as one of the most impressive in program history.
Henderson's Journey in NCAA Basketball
After his playing days, Henderson began his coaching journey at Northwestern, learning under Bill Carmody before returning to Princeton as head coach. Since taking over, he has compiled a record of 251-133 and a 2-2 mark in NCAA Tournament play. His resume includes four Ivy League regular-season titles, two tournament championships, and two Ivy League Coach of the Year awards, with his most recent honor coming in 2024.
Expectations High in 2025-26
Princeton opens the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, November 8, at Akron. The Tigers’ home opener follows on Tuesday, November 11, against Bucknell at Jadwin Gymnasium. A major early-season test comes on November 15 when they visit the Kansas Jayhawks at Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Later in November, the Tigers travel to Orlando for a Thanksgiving tournament that begins with a matchup against Bradley.
Henderson has built a program that reflects the same poise and intelligence that defined his playing days. Now entering another season, he continues to guide Princeton with calm confidence, hoping this group can write another fantastic chapter in the Tigers’ proud basketball legacy.