Karen Sanders Executive Director - Arkansas High School Softball Association

Title: Executive Director

School: Valley View High School, (Jonesboro, Ar)

Bio:

Karen Sanders is beginning her 25th year in the education profession. She currently serves as the head softball coach and assistant tennis coach at Valley View. She started her coaching career in basketball and eventually found her way to softball in 2004 at Nettleton, her true passion. She is entering her 17th year as a head softball coach and has 2 years of experience as an assistant. Karen is our Executive Director and involved in the NFCA, National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Before landing at Valley View, she has made stops at Lockesburg, Pulaski Oak Grove, Wynne, Nettleton and Brookland. Her coaching career consists of basketball, cross country, track, cheer, tennis, volleyball and softball. Her coaching highlights include 2 state championships and 2 state runner-ups in softball, 2 state championships and 3 state runner-ups in volleyball, and a state championship in girls' tennis.

Karen is a graduate of Arkansas High School (Texarkana), received her BSE from Bartlesville Wesleyan College (now called Oklahoma Wesleyan University) where she played basketball and softball, and in 2022 earned her Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University. Her pride and joy are her two heartbeats: her husband of 21 years, Anthony, and their son, Jacob. During her down time, she enjoys fishing, taking family vacations, and spending quality time with family and friends.