The Freed-Hardeman University Athletic Department announced Monday that Jim Sanderson will be the new head coach for the Lion basketball program, beginning with the 2016-17 season.
Sanderson will take over the head coaching position following the resignation of Jason Shelton, who resigned his duties at Freed-Hardeman earlier this month after 11 years at the helm to take a head coaching position at Chester County High School.
Sanderson is no stranger to the college coaching arena, as his prior coaching experience includes 24 years at Faulkner (Ala.) University where he led his team to an NAIA National Championship in 2001.
In his 24 years at the helm with the Eagles, Sanderson posted a record of 481-296, good enough to rank him among the top 10 most-winning coaches in NAIA basketball history. He capped off his career at Faulkner University in 2013 with a NAIA National Tournament appearance after leading his team to a 29-6 record.
Throughout his time with the Eagles, he led his teams to six conference tournament championships and received Coach of the Year honors on five occasions, including National Coach of the Year honors in 1999 after leading his team to a 30-6 record.
Prior to his coaching career, Sanderson attended the University of Alabama, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1982 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling.
Sanderson said he is excited about the opportunity to return to college coaching, especially in a Christian environment.
“I am truly grateful and thankful that the Lord has put me in this position,” he said. “My family and I are very excited about being back in college coaching and the opportunity to become a part of the Freed Hardeman family. We are very familiar with the Christian campus environment, which will help us make a difference in the lives of young people.”
Sanderson’s wife, Jill, whom he describes as the best coach’s wife around, has taught elementary art for 14 years. He also has a daughter, Katie, who is employed as a Nurse Practitioner in Montgomery, AL and a son named Kyle who recently graduated from Faulkner University with a degree in Sports Management.
Sanderson said he is looking forward to meeting the current players on the Freed-Hardeman roster as well as supporters of the program.
“I am really looking forward to getting to know each of the players individually and being a part of the process of excellence for their lives and the basketball program,” he said. “I want supporters of the Lion basketball program to know that they play a huge part in the success, energy, and excitement of this program. I want supporters to see a team represented with sportsmanship, togetherness and great effort.”
Mike McCutchen, Athletic Director at Freed-Hardeman, said he is excited to have the Sanderson’s join the FHU family.
“Coach Sanderson has a great record of success and is a proven winner, but more importantly he has a strong commitment to Christian education,” McCutchen said. “He and his family are a great fit for FHU and we look forward to having them become part of the FHU community.”
Sanderson will begin his coaching duties, effective June 1, and is excited for the unique opportunity to work in a Christian environment.
“Coaching basketball on a Christian campus is really neat,” he said. “I feel super blessed to be back in this type of position, coaching the game I love and impacting lives for the Kingdom.”
