Malden Catholic Hires New Girls Basketball Coach With Decorated Resume

MALDEN, MA — Malden Catholic has hired Sharell Sanders as the next head coach of the school's varsity girls basketball program.

Athletic Director Bill Raycraft said Sanders brings a strong background in student-athlete development, program leadership and competitive basketball experience to the Lancers.

“Coach Sanders is an outstanding leader who brings passion, energy, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court,” Raycraft said. “Her vision for building a competitive program rooted in accountability, teamwork, and character aligns perfectly with the mission and values of Malden Catholic. We are excited to welcome her to the Lancer family.”

Sanders most recently served as the head coach of the varsity girls basketball program at Medford High School, where she quickly established a culture centered on accountability, discipline and team success.

In her first season leading the Medford program, the team earned a playoff appearance and finished second in the league standings.

Prior to Medford, Sanders served as an assistant varsity girls basketball coach at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. There, she helped support one of the region’s respected girls basketball programs and was part of six state championships as both a player and assistant coach.

Her coaching experience also includes AAU basketball, private player development instruction and youth mentorship throughout the Greater Boston area.

Sanders will succeed Jay Keane, who led the Lancers through eight seasons that included consistent MIAA tournament appearances, multiple coach of the year honors and a trip to the MIAA Division I State Tournament in the program’s first year competing at that level.

Under Keane, the program also earned multiple conference all-star selections, and several athletes continued their academic and athletic careers in college, according to the school.

In addition to her coaching background, Sanders currently serves as a physical education teacher in Lynn and has experience working with youth and families through residential and educational support services.

According to the school, Sanders’ leadership philosophy emphasizes academic accountability, strong relationships, personal growth and building championship culture through daily habits and standards.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to join Malden Catholic as the next Varsity Girls Basketball Coach,” Sanders said. “Malden Catholic’s commitment to excellence, faith, and student development strongly aligns with my own values as a coach and educator.”

“I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and helping create a program defined by hard work, accountability, competitive excellence, and pride in representing the Lancers both on and off the court.”

Sanders is a former Division II collegiate basketball student-athlete. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Caldwell University and later completed an MBA in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

Sanders will begin immediately as she prepares for the upcoming season.

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