Alumni Spotlight: Mark Sanders ('97)
By Brittney Kimber
From a young age, Jax State alumnus Mark Sanders (‘97) had a passion for serving others. Graduating with a degree in secondary education, Sanders has used his time and talents to support the students and community of Helena, Alabama. He serves as a social studies teacher and the head softball coach at Helena High School and as an adjunct professor within Jax State's Department of Kinesiology. He was named the 2026 Shelby County Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year, and his impact extends beyond the field and classroom.
“I knew how to communicate with people, how to motivate people, and how to help them grow,” Sanders said. “I also loved sports, and combining those skills and passions just made sense.”
In 25 seasons of coaching softball—22 at the junior high level and three at the varsity level—he has achieved 24 consecutive winning seasons and compiled a record of 639 wins and 164 losses, including 10 junior high league championships, three varsity state tournament appearances, and the school's only varsity state championship.
In addition to being the Shelby County High School Softball Coach of the Year (2024, 2025, 2026), he was the Metro South Jr High Softball Coach of the Year (2007, 2023), the Alabama Sports Writers Association 6A Softball Coach of the Year (2025), the National Federation of State High School Associations State Softball Coach of the Year (2024, 2025), and was inducted into the Jax State College of Education and Professional Studies Alumni Hall of Fame in 2025.
During his 30-year career in education, he has prioritized impact beyond academics, including student social-emotional growth, building positive relationships with students and families, contributing to school culture, and mentoring students and new teachers. He credits Jax State educators for teaching him the profound importance of valuing each student and contributing to their educational journey in a meaningful way.
“What truly stands out to me regarding my time at Jax State is the exceptional quality of the faculty. I was fortunate to have numerous outstanding teachers who believed in me and helped me see my abilities and recognize my potential,” Sanders said.
“Jax State supported my growth through dedicated faculty mentorship, positive learning environments, and caring academic advisors who guided me and kept me on track. They equipped me with specialized knowledge and practical skills that prepared me for the daily challenges that teachers face. They also empowered me with confidence and leadership skills that allowed me to be successful in the classroom and on the softball field.”
He said witnessing breakthrough moments, watching hard work pay off, and seeing personal growth and development on and off the field have been the most rewarding aspects of his professional journey. He also noted that community involvement and leadership are foundational drivers of both community development and individual student success.
“Research consistently demonstrates that when schools, families, and community groups work together, positive outcomes emerge. Students perform better in school and learn important life skills like teamwork and communication. This partnership creates a supportive environment where everyone benefits,” Sanders said.
“Everything about our program is team-oriented. Receiving these awards simply means that we have great players, great coaches, great parents, and a great community and support staff.”
To help support and inspire future students and teachers, Sanders and his wife, Dawn, created the Coach Mark and Dawn Sanders Scholarship.