Henningsgard named VCSU Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

North Dakota native Taylor Henningsgard has been hired as the assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, head coach Vanessa Johnson announced Monday. Henningsgard replaces Jordan Skaar who assisted the Vikings for the past three seasons.

“Adding Taylor to our coaching staff is definitely a step in the right direction for our team,” says Johnson. “Taylor had a stellar playing career at Lake Region and Dickinson State where she was the point guard for both teams. She also has valuable experience learning from multiple coaches throughout her young coaching career. Her basketball IQ will be beneficial on our sideline. I look forward to working with Taylor to build the championship culture that we strive to have.”

Henningsgard brings college coaching experience from various levels, including Lake Region State College (NJCAA), Briar Cliff University (NAIA), and Minot State University (NCAA Div. II). She also has served as head coach of the AAU 16U North Dakota Attack.

Henningsgard was a previous standout point guard at Lake Region State College where she was named 1st Team All-Conference and Region XIII Tournament Most Valuable Player. She finished her career at Dickinson State University where she was named 1st Team All-Conference as a senior. In high school, Henningsgard was named the North Dakota Class B District, Region, and State Senior Athlete of the Year. She was also a finalist for North Dakota Miss Basketball.

Henningsgard holds a master’s degree in sports management from Briar Cliff University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dickinson State.

Skaar resigned earlier this month to take an assistant coaching position at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He was an assistant coach at VCSU for the previous three seasons.

“I would like to thank Jordan Skaar for his time and commitment to this program, he has been a tremendous asset in creating our culture. I wish him the best of luck!” says Johnson.

Valley City State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a conference member of the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA).