Meet The Husky Freshmen: Mai-Loni Henson
October 04, 2016 | Women's Basketball
The University of Washington women's basketball program welcomed four talented freshmen in 2016-17. GoHuskies.com will introduce a member of the Husky freshmen class each week this fall.
At 6-foot-0-inches, Henson is a strong, versatile force who has the ability to go inside, while also being a threat from mid-range and behind the arc. Playing nearly every position for her distinguished high school program, La Jolla Country Day School, Henson became the fourth player in school history to score 1,500 career points, ranking behind Candice Wiggins (2004), Kelsey Plum (2013) and Marisa Rivera (2004). Henson will reunite with former high school teammate and current Husky All-American Plum. As a freshman playing with Plum, Henson averaged nine points and five rebounds.
Henson, who also surpassed 500 assists in her career, averaged 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists and was named to the All-San Diego Section Team while also earning honorable mention MaxPreps California All-State last season. As a junior, she averaged 16.4 points, 11.7 rebounds and five assists, leading La Jolla Country Day to a CIF Division V state title, earning First Team All-State in California for Division V by Max Preps and was named to the All-San Diego Section Team.
During Washington's trip to Australia this summer, Henson's mature play pleased head coach Mike Neighbors who said the freshman played more like a senior in some situations. In the final game against Sydney, the San Diego, Calif. native had six points while grabbing five boards.
Q: Why did you choose the University of Washington?
A: I chose the University of Washington because I love the tight family aspect of the team and how much our freshman class can really affect the program in years to come. Washington is also well known for its outstanding academics and that is another big factor for my decision.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I'm most looking forward to playing and bonding with my teammates because I already love how close we've all become and I can't wait to see everything we accomplish this year.
Q: How would you describe your game?
A: I feel like I can do a little bit of everything for my size. My versatility is a cool aspect that I can contribute to the team. I can handle the ball well under pressure and begin fast breaks. I find myself to be a pretty good passer and can get to the rim pretty well while also being able to take advantage of a size mismatch and battle with someone on the block.
Q: Where is your favorite place to hang out in Seattle?
A: My favorite place to hang out is "The Cut." It's a place behind the football stadium that my teammates and I go to. We go there to jump in the water and relax usually after a long day of workouts.
Q: Why did you choose the number you wear?
A: I was originally number 14 in high school because it was the same number my grandpa wore but now I am number three because I wanted to start fresh and also to try and keep the legacy of Talia Walton and the number going.
Q: What is one random fact that people wouldn't know about you?
A: I have a secret love and passion for modeling, volleyball and cooking.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: I personally aspire to help improve my team with any aspect that I perform well in. As a group, I would love to make it to the Final Four and beyond.
Q: What is the best moment of your basketball career so far?
A: It would probably be winning the state championship my junior year in high school. A close second would be getting my 1,500 career point and my 500 career assist.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of sports?
A: I love to listen to music, preferably 90's music of almost any genre or music of the islands. I also watch a lot of Netflix and shop in my down time.
Q: What is your dream job (not including playing basketball)?
A: My dream job would probably be a nurse because I like interacting with people and helping them when they're in need.
Mai-Loni in her own words: I would describe myself as being very outgoing, hardworking and unique. I feel like there's a lot of things about me that may seem surprising, ranging from the type of music I listen to to my personality in general. I find myself listening to music more than anything. I usually just put on the Jagged Edge or Usher station on Pandora and let it play all day and sing along to just about every song. I love food and I'm not afraid to try anything, unless it smells weird. I am originally from Chicago but I've lived in Arizona, California and now Washington so I've had a feel for every climate. I am the youngest of two siblings; my brother, Eric lives in Arizona with his two kids and my sister, Melia is in the Navy. My mom and dad, Eric and Jean, are my biggest supporters and have been there through everything from the very beginning. I'm most excited to represent Washington for the next four years and showcase everything I have worked hard for.
Henson File:
Full name: Mai-Loni LaShae' Henson
Birthdate: Feb. 8, 1998
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Nickname: Mai or Loni
Biggest guilty pleasure: I eat ice cream late at night
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite TV show: The Boondocks
Favorite movie: Friday series
Favorite place you've traveled: Australia
Favorite musical artist: Aaliyah
Pregame superstitions: Listening to 90's slow jams to keep me calm and relaxed
Henson and the Huskies will play two exhibition games against Central Washington (Oct. 29) and Concordia (Nov. 2) before officially opening the season against Eastern Washington on Nov. 11. For more information about tickets, click here.
At 6-foot-0-inches, Henson is a strong, versatile force who has the ability to go inside, while also being a threat from mid-range and behind the arc. Playing nearly every position for her distinguished high school program, La Jolla Country Day School, Henson became the fourth player in school history to score 1,500 career points, ranking behind Candice Wiggins (2004), Kelsey Plum (2013) and Marisa Rivera (2004). Henson will reunite with former high school teammate and current Husky All-American Plum. As a freshman playing with Plum, Henson averaged nine points and five rebounds.
Henson, who also surpassed 500 assists in her career, averaged 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists and was named to the All-San Diego Section Team while also earning honorable mention MaxPreps California All-State last season. As a junior, she averaged 16.4 points, 11.7 rebounds and five assists, leading La Jolla Country Day to a CIF Division V state title, earning First Team All-State in California for Division V by Max Preps and was named to the All-San Diego Section Team.
During Washington's trip to Australia this summer, Henson's mature play pleased head coach Mike Neighbors who said the freshman played more like a senior in some situations. In the final game against Sydney, the San Diego, Calif. native had six points while grabbing five boards.
Q: Why did you choose the University of Washington?
A: I chose the University of Washington because I love the tight family aspect of the team and how much our freshman class can really affect the program in years to come. Washington is also well known for its outstanding academics and that is another big factor for my decision.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I'm most looking forward to playing and bonding with my teammates because I already love how close we've all become and I can't wait to see everything we accomplish this year.
Q: How would you describe your game?
A: I feel like I can do a little bit of everything for my size. My versatility is a cool aspect that I can contribute to the team. I can handle the ball well under pressure and begin fast breaks. I find myself to be a pretty good passer and can get to the rim pretty well while also being able to take advantage of a size mismatch and battle with someone on the block.
Q: Where is your favorite place to hang out in Seattle?
A: My favorite place to hang out is "The Cut." It's a place behind the football stadium that my teammates and I go to. We go there to jump in the water and relax usually after a long day of workouts.
Q: Why did you choose the number you wear?
A: I was originally number 14 in high school because it was the same number my grandpa wore but now I am number three because I wanted to start fresh and also to try and keep the legacy of Talia Walton and the number going.
Q: What is one random fact that people wouldn't know about you?
A: I have a secret love and passion for modeling, volleyball and cooking.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: I personally aspire to help improve my team with any aspect that I perform well in. As a group, I would love to make it to the Final Four and beyond.
Q: What is the best moment of your basketball career so far?
A: It would probably be winning the state championship my junior year in high school. A close second would be getting my 1,500 career point and my 500 career assist.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of sports?
A: I love to listen to music, preferably 90's music of almost any genre or music of the islands. I also watch a lot of Netflix and shop in my down time.
Q: What is your dream job (not including playing basketball)?
A: My dream job would probably be a nurse because I like interacting with people and helping them when they're in need.
Mai-Loni in her own words: I would describe myself as being very outgoing, hardworking and unique. I feel like there's a lot of things about me that may seem surprising, ranging from the type of music I listen to to my personality in general. I find myself listening to music more than anything. I usually just put on the Jagged Edge or Usher station on Pandora and let it play all day and sing along to just about every song. I love food and I'm not afraid to try anything, unless it smells weird. I am originally from Chicago but I've lived in Arizona, California and now Washington so I've had a feel for every climate. I am the youngest of two siblings; my brother, Eric lives in Arizona with his two kids and my sister, Melia is in the Navy. My mom and dad, Eric and Jean, are my biggest supporters and have been there through everything from the very beginning. I'm most excited to represent Washington for the next four years and showcase everything I have worked hard for.
Henson File:
Full name: Mai-Loni LaShae' Henson
Birthdate: Feb. 8, 1998
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Nickname: Mai or Loni
Biggest guilty pleasure: I eat ice cream late at night
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite TV show: The Boondocks
Favorite movie: Friday series
Favorite place you've traveled: Australia
Favorite musical artist: Aaliyah
Pregame superstitions: Listening to 90's slow jams to keep me calm and relaxed
Henson and the Huskies will play two exhibition games against Central Washington (Oct. 29) and Concordia (Nov. 2) before officially opening the season against Eastern Washington on Nov. 11. For more information about tickets, click here.
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