Matt Sanders is in his sixth year as an assistant coach with the Butler softball program, and eighth as a faculty member with the college. He is currently the Chair of the Fitness and Wellness Department overseeing both the Exercise Science and Athletic Training degree tracks.

Sanders, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, serves as the program’s strength and conditioning coach. He is also responsible for advance scouting, game planning and preparation, as well as sharing recruiting duties. He is the position coach for catchers and first base, and assists Coach Chance with pitchers and their development. Coach Chance says “Matt has helped transform our process to prepare the team physically to compete at the highest level possible, which has translated into back-to-back national titles as well as a NJCAA DI Player and Pitcher of the Year. He is a valuable and trusted resource for my program.”

Due to the success of the program during his tenure, Matt won the 2017 Easton/NFCA NJCAA D1 National Assistant Coach of the Year Award. The staff has also won the NFCA’s 2016 and 2017 NJCAA D1 Coaching Staff of the Year Award.

Matt has been in coaching and education since 1996, training over 3,500 athletes at many levels. Career stops have included the University of Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University and the Cincinnati Reds. His coaching resume includes a Conference Championship in college, a Divisional Title in the pros, and a National Championship in baseball before he came to Butler.