Coastal Carolina Transfer Kicker Commits to West Virginia

Originally posted on West Virginia Mountaineers on SI
By Josh Wolfe | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 3:26 PM ET

West Virginia has been looking to find a replacement for Michael Hayes II at the kicker position, and today, they might've found it.

Kade Hensley, a senior place kicker for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, has established himself as a reliable and clutch performer in the Sun Belt Conference. Hailing from Johnson City, Tennessee, the 5’10”, 190-pound kicker attended Science Hill High School, where he set a school record with a 50-yard field goal and earned 2020 preseason all-state honors. His high school success drew interest from multiple programs, but he committed to Coastal Carolina, where he became a cornerstone of the special teams unit.

Hensley redshirted his freshman year in 2021, earning a spot on the Dean’s List. In 2022, he was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. By 2023, as a redshirt sophomore, he appeared in nine games, showcasing his range with a career-long 49-yard field goal against San Jose State. His defining moment came on October 10, 2023, when he nailed a game-winning 24-yard field goal as time expired to secure Coastal Carolina’s first-ever win at Appalachian State, 27-24, earning praise from coach Tim Beck and fans alike. In 2024, Hensley’s consistency shone, converting 16 of 19 field goals (84.2%) and 100% of extra points, amassing 92 points with a long of 49 yards.

He will join a Kicker room featuring Ethan Head, RJ Kocan, and Nate Flower. These kickers can all be expected to compete for the starting job this fall.