AOP Spotlight Series: Lynn Henderson-Ford, St. Hubert's - Class of 1983
A new feature to the website, the Spotlight Series will include interviews with former AOP student-athletes who continued their athletic participation in one form or another after high school.
Lynn Henderson-Ford, St. Hubert's (
Class of 1983) 
- PCL Girls Basketball Supervisor of Officials: 1995 - Present
- Philadelphia Board of Women's Sports Hall of Fame for 30 years of service to womens basketball (2014 Induction)
- ?Registered Investment Associate for over 36 years
Officiating Career Highlights (
1983-present)
High School
- Philadelphia Catholic League Playoff Official (7 years)
- Suburban One / Bicentennial, Bicentennial Finals Official (2013 & 2014)
- PIAA District I Playoff Official, District I Finals Official (2011, 2013 & 2014)
- PIAA State Playoff Official (2009, 2013 & 2014)
- PIAA State Finals Official (2013)
College
- Division III Conferences: NEAC, Empire 8, SUNYAC, Liberty League, Skyline, MAC, Centennial, CSAC, Atlantic East & Landmark
- NEAC Championship Alternate Official (2016)
- Midwest Christian College Quarterfinals (2017 & 2018)
Your favorite memory from your time as a student at St. Hubert’s:
“When I was inducted into Student Council my senior year of my homeroom class. I enjoyed the interaction with my classmates. It also gave me an opportunity to bring ideas to the table to make senior year full of memories that we would remember.”
What makes St. Hubert’s such a special place?
“I was fortunate to have had a strong Catholic upbringing and education. It was a great experience and something that I will always remember. I like giving back and helping with the alumni whenever I can. I always enjoyed officiating basketball games there when I refereed in the PCL. It’s always nice going home!”
What makes the PCL such a great Girls’ Basketball League?
“I think we are by far the best league in the state and one of the best in the country. I’ve been told that by other leagues within the state. I think our coaches and players are very dedicated and represent well. It’s great basketball, very competitive.”
How did you get introduced to officiating?
“I was 17-years old, sitting in a gym, keeping score for my father who was a CYO coach for over 25 years. I befriended some of the officials. One – Eileen Haigh – grabbed me and took me under her wing. She taught me everything I know and helped me get to where I am today. I am forever grateful because a lot of people don’t have that opportunity. There aren’t a lot of people that are willing to be someone’s mentor.”
The enjoyment you take from serving as the Supervisor of Officials for PCL Girls’ Basketball:
“I was very fortunate when I began my officiating career that I had a mentor. I think it’s really important, now that I am not officiating in the league, that I’m able to help young officials become better and mentor them. To be able to help them get to the level that they want to get to, whether it be grade school, high school or the collegiate level. And that I’m able to guide them in that direction and get them introduced to the right people to try and make that happen. Paying it forward is important.”
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a high school basketball official?
“You have to be dedicated. You have to be willing to learn, take criticism and develop thick skin. The coaches and players, and definitely the parents and fans can be tough. It’s a learning experience, and you have to be willing to invest in yourself because becoming a good officiate doesn’t happen overnight.”
Previous AOP Spotlights
Ryan Quigley, Lansdale Catholic (Class of 2016)
Denise Dillon, Cardinal O'Hara (Class of 1992)
Chris Mooney, Archbishop Ryan (Class of 1990)
Marc Jackson, Roman (Class of 1993)
Cindy Anderson Griffin, Bishop McDevitt (Class of 1987)
Ryan McNulty, Bishop Shanahan (Class of 2016)
Bill Zwaan, Archbishop Carroll (Class of 1972)