Cleveland, GA (June 17, 2011) – Truett-McConnell College is proud to announce Matt Sanders as the new head women’s basketball coach.

 

 Sanders comes with experience from Lee University, in Tennessee, where he served as assistant men’s and women’s basketball coach, the head junior varsity men’s basketball coach, and the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach. In addition, Sanders won two state championships as head coach for Heirway Christian Academy where he coached for six years, and assistant coach at AAA Ola High School in McDonough.

 

I am thrilled to see what God is going to do for our women’s basketball program under Coach Sanders’ leadership. Seeing his heart for Christ and his heart for the student-athletes that he will be influencing has gotten me extremely excited,” said Chris Eppling, TMC athletic director. 

 

Strongly influenced by his faith in Christ, the coach envisions a program defined by growth in every aspect of the team’s life. Sanders affirms that his philosophy is God first, family second, academics third, and basketball fourth.

 

“We are going to be the best we can possibly be on and off the court—spiritually, emotionally, socially, academically, and also in basketball. We are going to be excellent. That’s what the Lord has called us to be and that is what we are after,” Sanders remarked.

 

In an effort to reach that goal, Sanders trusts in the power of Christ’s love as the ultimate strategy:

 

“My faith knows that a soft answer turns away wrath. We have to go back to what the Word says about love and apply it to the team so that it will become closer. I think it is important to have an atmosphere that says whether we win, lose, or draw, we are okay. Whether we beat you or not, and we are going to love you in Christ. We are going to pray with you after the game. At the end of the season, we want to be better than when we started, period. If we have not done that, then that is my fault.”

 

Commonly seen as a risk taker for his coaching style, Sanders acknowledged that he likes to play with an upbeat tempo. He emphasizes defense and believes in a fast-paced, gutsy offense. Most of all, Sanders wants the athletes to have fun on the court while maintaining a healthy competitive attitude.  

 

“These athletes will have a great catch for a coach. We understand that Rome was not built in a day and anything worth having is worth building right. I believe the first step for our ladies’ basketball program is Coach Matt Sanders,” said Eppling.  

 

Sanders has already commenced recruiting and stated that he is more than delighted about this opportunity. Truett-McConnell welcomes Coach Sanders and his wife, April, as the Lady Bears gear up for a rousing season.

 

Truett-McConnell College equips students to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering a Christian worldview through a Biblically-centered liberal arts education.

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