'No Skipping Steps': Nola Henry Explains Las Vegas Aces Decision

She added, “So it’s obviously very humble beginnings, but I wouldn’t have it any other way in terms of, you know, not having any handouts, working for every single thing. I take pride in that.”

Henry started as an intern with Connecticut in 2020 and worked her way up to the assistant basketball operations manager role over the next two seasons, then moved into player development with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023 before being elevated to assistant coach the following year.

Fans of the Dallas Wings wanted the 31-year-old as their next coach after the departure of Chris Koclanes, who spent only a single season as a coach.

Despite the support, Dallas turned the other way, which led to Henry posting her departure on her Instagram story and eventually joining the Aces earlier this week.

“I’m truly excited and honored to join the Las Vegas Aces organization,” Henry said in a statement released by the team. “The opportunity to work alongside Becky and help coach the best players in the world means a lot to me. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m grateful to be part of something so special.”

Although Henry moves into her new territory, there is still a hint of familiarity within her latest squad.

Nola Henry Reunites With Chelsea Gray

During her tenure with Dallas, Henry also served as a head coach for Unrivaled’s Rose BC for the past two seasons, a team that included Aces guard Chelsea Gray.

The duo won the championship in the league’s inaugural season, while Gray even won the league MVP award this season under Henry’s guidance.

While Gray is still a free agent just like the majority of the league’s players in large part due to the now-resolved CBA dispute, it is difficult to imagine the four-time champion leaving the Aces, especially after a chance of working with Henry again.