Sanders named senior women's leader
Jun. 27—THOMASVILLE- On Friday, June 23, Thomas University Athletic Director, Kurt Stringfellow, named softball head coach, Jessica Sanders, as the Senior Women's Leader for Night Hawks athletics.
In a brief statement, Stringfellow said, "We are excited to have her fill this role knowing that our ability to change lives though athletics will be enhanced!" Coach Sanders will assume her new responsibilities July 1.
Upon the announcement of her new position, Sanders stated, "As a former collegiate athlete and Thomas University's head softball coach presently, it has always been my passion to look out for female athletes doing what they love each and every day. I am extremely excited to work alongside Kurt Stringfellow, TU's Athletic Director, to have this opportunity to promote the best possible collegiate athlete experience for our female sports, as well as all the other student athletes at Thomas University. As we grow and expand, adding more athletes each year, I am honored to be at the forefront of advancement in the athletics department at Thomas University. Stepping into this position is an honor and one that I will look forward to fulfilling every day. As always, go Night Hawks!"
Sanders will enter her third season as the Head Coach of the Night Hawks softball program and eleventh overall in 2024. Sanders spent eight seasons as TU's assistant coach and Head Coach for the program's JV team.
Prior to her time at Thomas University, Sanders spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Shorter University. During her tenure at Shorter, the Lady Hawks captured the NAIA National Softball Championship in 2012 and finished second in the NCCAA National Tournament in 2013.
Before her time at Shorter, Sanders spent one season at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. In the program's inaugural season, Our Lady finished as the regular season conference runner-up in the Red River Conference.
Sanders began her collegiate playing career at the University of West Georgia. She currently sits second on the university's single-season home run record list with 15. Sanders completed this impressive record in her freshman season (2005). Following her freshman season, Sanders transferred to Shorter from West Georgia and was an All-SSAC performer in 2006, 2007, and 2008 for the Lady Hawks. In 2006, Sanders was named Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore when she set Shorter's single-season home run record with 16. Her .924 single season slugging percentage remains the record at Shorter. Sanders, a two-time NAIA All-American, is also Shorter's career leader in home runs (37) and batting average (.400). She ranks second all-time in Shorter history in doubles and RBI. In 2013, Sanders was inducted into the Shorter University Hall of Fame as the first softball player in the Hall's history.
A native of Bowdon, Ga., Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of West Georgia and a Master of Art in Leadership from Shorter University. Currently, Sanders resides in Thomasville, Ga.
