Warner University Athletics have announced that Director of Athletics Sean Hanrahan has stepped down following 20 years of service to Warner University. Sean Hanrahan has accepted the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach position at California Baptist University.
Coach Hanrahan was hired in 2006 as the Head Coach of the Warner Men’s Basketball program. He led the Royals for 18 seasons. Hanrahan completed his coaching career with Warner as the program’s winningest Head Coach with 347 wins and led the Royals to the NAIA National Tournament 6 times, won the Sun Conference 5 times and coached 1 National Player of the Year.
In 2024, Sean Hanrahan was promoted to the Director of Athletics, and under his stewardship the Athletics Department saw success in both the athletic and spiritual development of Warner Student-Athletes. Coach Hanrahan implemented the Athletic Department’s Mission Statement of “Chase Jesus – Serve Each Other,” which has been fulfilled by every hire and member of the Athletics Department.
University President Dr. Gentry Sutton had the following to say about Sean Hanrahan’s impact on the Warner community: “The professional impact that Sean has had on Warner University for 20 years will be felt for years to come, and the spiritual impact he has had on hundreds of student-athletes will be felt for eternity. Sean exemplifies the ideal Warner family member. His departure is a loss for the University, but we celebrate this amazing accomplishment and opportunity with him and his family.”
“I am overjoyed for Coach Hanrahan and his family! I started working for Coach Hanrahan ten years ago and he completely helped change my life. That is the impact he has had on so many people here at Warner University for 20 years. He has earned this opportunity by serving others!” adds Head Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Warren
“There are no words to adequately explain to the Warner family how much I’ve grown and how deeply I love this university. While I’m excited for the opportunity to join a lifelong friend like Coach Kyle Getter at Cal Baptist, leaving Lake Wales is bittersweet. I am moving to a new campus, but I’m staying in the same mission field, carrying the lessons and the love of the Warner community with me every step of the way. Brandi and I have been extremely blessed to raise our children on the Warner campus, and create lifelong friendships that have empowered us to live with purpose. I was mentored by four transformational Presidents, Dr. Hall hired me and taught me how to integrate Christ in my coaching. Dr. Hoag elevated me to AD and taught me how to love Christ with energy and passion. Dr. Williford taught me management skills as an AD and empowered me to lead a Christ centered department. I will always be thankful to Dr. Sutton who gave me friendship and guidance for walking as a leader in higher Christian education. There are so many faculty and staff that I am grateful to have walk this journey with, and look forward to seeing Warner University grow and build as a premier University of Christian Higher education,” says Sean.
