Davenport University’s Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Lowden announced today (Apr. 29) that the university has decided to hire Shonda Sanders as the new head coach for the women’s basketball program.
“After conducting a national search, we are excited to welcome Shonda Sanders to the Panther family,” said Lowden. “It was important to find a leader who is committed to elevating our women’s basketball program to GLIAC and NCAA success while creating champions in the classroom and community. Shonda is a high-energy motivator that brings a passion for people and the game that we believe can help cultivate a new vision for our women’s basketball program.”
Sanders is no stranger to the rigors of the GLIAC and NCAA Division II having spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State. The Cardinals were able to see a win improvement in each of those three seasons including a 16-11 overall record and 11-8 mark in the GLIAC in 2021-22. SVSU reached the GLIAC Tournament for the third straight season in 2021-22.
Prior to SVSU, Sanders served as head coach at Delta College, a two-year institution in University Center, Michigan. She held that role for two seasons and the team had a pair of conference quarterfinal appearances.
“I am overjoyed and thankful for this amazing opportunity joining the Davenport family,” said Sanders. “As soon as I met Paul (Lowden) and Ronda (Varnesdeel), I believed in their leadership, vision for the women’s basketball program, and athletic department. I want to thank them both for believing in me. Thank you to Sue Guevara, the late Kesha Brown and Jenny Pruett for their leadership and guidance in preparing me to be a head coach. Lastly, I want to thank my husband, Xavier Sanders, for being by my side and always supporting me. I am ready to start evaluating and bringing in top recruits to Davenport University. I’m beyond excited about developing these young women and competing in the GLIAC for a championship. Go Panthers!”
Sanders got her coaching started at her alma mater Central Michigan University in 2015 as the video coordinator for the Chippewas. Shonda played for the Chippewas from 2008-2011 tallying 1,439 points. She also finished with 230 career three-pointers and scored 510 points during her senior campaign. Sanders became the 19th player in CMU history to score 1,000 career points on December 11, 2010 against Northwestern. After both of her junior and senior seasons, she was named to the All-MAC Third Team. After CMU, Shonda went on to play professionally in Poland for one season.
After her season in Poland, Shonda returned to Michigan to join the staff at Alma College for three seasons.
Sanders earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration with a Minor in Athletic Coaching and a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration, both from Central Michigan University.
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