Flathead tabs college assistant to lead Bravette hoops

Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, Wash.) assistant women’s basketball coach Lisa Hendrickson will be the new head girls basketball coach at Flathead High School.

Flathead activities director Bryce Wilson announced the hire Wednesday pending school board approval.

Hendrickson spent eight years as an assistant at the NCAA Division II level at Saint Martin’s. She also has experience as a high school junior varsity head coach and a varsity assistant coach.

“I’m just ready to have my own program,” Hendrickson said. “I really enjoy the high school level because they’re really impressionable and I feel like I can be a good role model. That’s my biggest thing, wanting to be a role model for that age.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity and excited to relocate.”

Wilson said he received a strong recommendation from Saint Martin’s head coach Tim Healy.

“Talking with her and the head coach at Saint Martin’s, Lisa is ready to make a program her own by working with athletes to create a solid basketball program,” Wilson said. “Lisa’s passion for winning along with her communication skills will be great assets in building the Bravette basketball program.”

As a player, Hendrickson was a point guard at Spokane Falls Community College and Saint Martin’s. She was the Division II assists leader her senior season in 2002-2003.

Hendrickson takes over for Karly Tait, who spent four seasons as Flathead’s head girls basketball coach before resigning in April. Tait led the Bravettes to their first state tournament appearance since 2008 in her final season.

Hendrickson inherits a roster that will likely return two starters, 5-foot-7 all-state guard Emma Andrews and 5-11 center Jenessa Heine. Andrews was fifth in Class AA this past season with 13.1 points per game and fourth in steals with 2.9 per game. Heine averaged 8.1 points and 5.8 rebounds.

Hendrickson will also teach physical education at Flathead High School.