BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Long Island University softball team has announced the hiring of Ryan Henry as an assistant coach, Interim Head Coach Andy Russo announced on Wednesday. Henry joins the LIU coaching staff after one professional season playing with the New York Rise on the heels of a standout playing career at Villanova University.

"We are thrilled to have Ryan join the staff," said Russo. "She has competed at a high level, playing at Villanova, and she's going to bring a lot of energy and experience to the coaching staff."

In five seasons at Villanova ('19-'23), Henry made 215 career appearances with 197 games started, posting a career batting average of .263 and career OPS of .835. She racked up 144 hits and 31 home runs, ranking her third all-time on Villanova's career home runs list.

Henry was named a First-Team All-Big East selection and to the NFCA's Mideast All-Region Third Team in 2021 after her junior season. She received all-conference recognition for the second time after her graduate season in 2023, earning second-team honors as Villanova captured the Big East regular season title. She also helped lead Villanova to back-to-back Big East Conference championships as well back-to-back NCAA regional appearances.

A Ramsey, New Jersey native, Henry graduated from Villanova with a bachelor's degree in communication specializing in performance studies and a Master's in theatre.

The Sharks are currently riding a league-best nine-game winning streak and sit atop the Northeast Conference standings with a 10-2 record in league play. LIU returns to action this weekend in a three-game set at Le Moyne College. First pitch of game one is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m.