Sharell Sanders named Girls Varsity Basketball Coach

Malden Catholic Announces Sharell Sanders as New Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach

Malden Catholic and William Raycraft, Athletic Director is proud to announce the hiring of Sharell Sanders as the new Head Coach of the Varsity Girls Basketball program.

Coach Sanders takes over for Jay Keane, who guided the Lancers through eight highly successful seasons that included consistent MIAA tournament appearances, multiple coach of the year accolades, and brought the Lancers to the MIAA Division I State Tournament in the program’s first year competing at the Division I level. Under Keane’s leadership, the program also earned multiple conference all-star selections, and several athletes continued their academic and athletic careers in college. 

Coach Sanders brings a strong background in student-athlete development, program leadership, and competitive basketball experience to the Lancers. She 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 program, Medford earned a playoff appearance, and finished second in league standings.

Prior to Medford, Sanders served as an Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, helping support one of the region’s respected girls basketball programs earning a total of six state championships as both a player and later as an assistant coach. Her coaching experience also includes AAU basketball, private player development instruction, and youth mentorship throughout the Greater Boston area.

In addition to her coaching background, Sanders currently serves as a Physical Education Teacher in Lynn and has extensive experience working with youth and families through residential and educational support services. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes academic accountability, strong relationships, personal growth, and building championship culture through daily habits and standards.

“Coach Sanders is an outstanding leader who brings passion, energy, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court,” said Malden Catholic Athletic Director Bill Raycraft. “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, a former Division II collegiate basketball student-athlete, earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Caldwell University and later completed her MBA in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to join Malden Catholic as the next Varsity Girls Basketball Coach,” said Sanders. “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.”

Coach Sanders will begin immediately as she prepares for the upcoming season and continues building a strong future for Malden Catholic Girls Basketball.