About Us

My name is Paul Henson, and helping student-athletes and their families navigate the college recruiting process is not just my profession—it’s my passion. Sports have been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was a multi-sport athlete in the 1980s, playing both football and basketball in high school, and I was fortunate to be recruited to play Division I football at Eastern Michigan University. After my playing days ended, I spent several years coaching high school football at Bowling Green High School and Northridge High School, experiences that deepened my love for mentoring young athletes. As life went on, I got married, started my career, and was blessed with three wonderful children—all of whom I had the privilege to coach in youth sports. My firsthand experience helping my own kids explore college athletics sparked a deeper mission. From guiding my daughter through her basketball recruiting journey, to supporting my sons in wrestling—both of whom earned college opportunities and degrees—I learned how complex and rewarding the recruiting process can be when done the right way. What started as a way to help my own family soon grew into a passion for helping others. I began assisting friends’ children and local athletes with their recruiting journeys—seeing their dreams come true inspired me to launch Next Step College Recruiting Assistance. Today, I combine my background as a former Division I athlete, coach, and parent to help student-athletes find the right opportunities to compete at the next level. My goal is to simplify the process, connect families with the right schools, and give every athlete the same chance to succeed that I worked to create for my own children. If you’re ready to take the next step toward college athletics, I’d be honored to guide you through the process.