Dakota Henze has been promoted to head coach of the NB Thunder football program. Henze, who has been a foundational member of the coaching staff since the program’s inception, will lead the six-man team as it enters its next phase of growth. The promotion signals a commitment to stability for the organization, which provides athletic opportunities for the local homeschool community. Henze has been a primary architect of the program’s culture, structure, and daily operations since day one.
“Thunder football is an established program that continues to build,” Laura Force said in a statement. “With Coach Henze, we are moving forward with someone who understands our athletes, our families, and the standards that have been in place since day one.”
Henze is entering his sixth year of coaching six-man football, bringing experience from his previous tenure at Calvary Baptist. His playing career includes a 2013 state championship and time at the semi-professional level with the Northern Arizona Wolverines.To supplement his field experience, Henze completed the intermediate and masters levels of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Coaches Advancement Program. The certifications emphasize athlete safety, instructional best practices, and program management.
Unlike many startup programs, the Thunder enters this transition with established facilities, equipment, and funding. This allows Henze to focus the staff’s efforts entirely on athlete development and team culture.
Henze’s first initiative in the new role is a structured spring training program scheduled for March 17 through April 30. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are open to athletes ages 13 and under and 14 and up.The training will focus on fundamentals, including route running, defensive technique, and 6-on-6 flag football repetitions.
“Spring training is about building consistency and confidence,” Henze said. “We’re focused on fundamentals, communication, and continuing to build on what has already been established here.”
Registration details for the spring sessions will be released in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: Victoria Gayton, VRG Photography