THOMASVILLE, GA —  Thomas University officials promoted Jessica Sanders to Head coach Tuesday morning. The native of Bowden, Ga., fills the position after spending the previous eight years as an Assistant Varsity coach and Head JV Coach at Thomas.

Prior to Thomas, Sanders began her collegiate playing career at the University of West Georgia. Sanders currently sits second on the university's single-season home run record list with 15. Following her Freshman year, Sanders transferred to Shorter from West Georgia and was an All-SSAC performer in 2006, 2007, and 2008 for the Lady Hawks.  In her Sophomore year, Sanders was named SSAC Player of the Year when she set Shorter's single-season home run record with 16. Her .924 single season slugging percentage remains the record at Shorter. A two-time NAIA All-American, Sanders is also Shorter's career leader in home runs (37) and batting average (.400). She ranks second all-time in Shorter history in doubles and RBI. 

After her playing time as a Hawk, Sanders moved to an assistant coaching role helping lead the team to the NAIA National Softball Championship in 2012 and finishing second in the NCCAA National Tournament in 2013. In 2013, Sanders was inducted into the Shorter University Hall of Fame as the first softball player in the Hall's history.

"Jessica is a great fit for Thomas University, she knows the program and the culture of our school.  During her last eight years of coaching at TU, Jessica has been a great role model for her players and brings a great attitude and excitement to the program," said Director of Athletics Rick Pearce. "I know Coach Sanders will help Thomas University move our program to the next level."

Sanders fills the position after former Head Coach Bill Wilson announced his retirement earlier in the month.

"I know Jessica will do a great job because she has been the Assistant softball coach for eight years under Bill Wilson," said Pearce. "Jessica has learned many valuable lessons on and off the field under Coach Wilson, making her the obvious choice for the position."

Jessica Sanders will be assisted by her father, Ralph Sanders, who has now been promoted to the Assistant Coach/JV Head Coach position.

For up-to-date information on other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU softball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksSoftb.