Bianca Hensely
Cleveland High School, in a press rease today, welcomed Bianca (Thomas) Hensley as the newly appointed head girls' basketball coach. With an impressive basketball background as a former standout player at Ole Miss and a respected coach in the Tennessee high school basketball community, Hensley joins the Raider Drive family from Stewarts Creek High School in Rutherford County Schools, Smyrna, Tennessee.
"We are thrilled to welcome Bianca Hensley to Cleveland High School," expressed Principal Bob Pritchard. "Her remarkable background as both a player and coach, combined with her unwavering dedication and leadership, make her the ideal choice to guide our girls' basketball program.”
“We are excited about this new addition to the Raider family," added Athletic Director Al Morris. "We have every confidence that she will build upon the program's success and inspire our student-athletes to achieve greatness."
Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Bianca Hensley is poised to make a significant impact at Cleveland High School. Most recently, Hensley was honored in the 2023 SEC Class of Women’s Legends. As the head coach of the Lady Red Hawks at Stewarts Creek High School since 2019, Hensley led the team to historic victories, clinching back-to-back 8AAA District Championships in 2022 and 2023. Her coaching tenure spanned four seasons, accumulating an impressive record of 93-30.
Prior to her coaching career, Hensley enjoyed a remarkable journey as a player, leaving an indelible mark at Ole Miss from 2006 to 2010. As a Rebel, Hensley received recognition as an All-SEC First Team honoree in 2008-09 and 2009-10, cementing her status as one of the program's most accomplished athletes.
Beyond her individual achievements, Hensley played a pivotal role in Ole Miss' success during her tenure, amassing an impressive 1,500 career points and consistently delivering double-digit scoring games. Notably, she set an Ole Miss SEC Tournament record by sinking six three-pointers against Arkansas during the 2009 SEC Tournament, etching her name in the program's record books.
Following her collegiate career, Hensley's talent propelled her to be chosen as the 12th overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2010 WNBA Draft. Her professional experiences have undoubtedly shaped her coaching philosophy and approach, providing valuable insights to share with her players.
According to officials, :Cleveland High School eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Bianca Hensley will bring to the girls' basketball program. With her passion for the game, extensive knowledge, and experience, she is poised to enhance the athletes' skills, cultivate a winning culture, and empower them to realize their full potential both on and off the court."