Head coach Lauren Sanders earned her 400-career victory with a win over Calvary University in the Midwest Christian College Conference Tournament Friday night. The Thunder swept the Warriors in three (25-18,25-19, 25-7) to advance to the Championship game.

Coach Sanders started her coaching career here at Manhattan Christian College in 2005 with her husband Ray Sanders. In those 17 years at the helm, Sanders has been named Regional Coach of the Year 10x as well as National Coach of the Year 2x.

“I’ve had a chance to watch Lauren coach for many years and I’m constantly amazed with the discipline, energy and effort that her teams compete with. Those three things are necessary for any team to have sustained success and her teams have done just that. She is already a legend and I am proud to call her my friend,” commented Jordan Strom, VP for Student Life

Many young ladies have come through the Thunder Volleyball program that have all played an instrumental part in the great success over the years. Under Sanders, her program has brought home 10 Midwest Christian College Conference Regular Season Championships, 6 MCCC Tournament Championships, 7 NCCAA Central Regional Championships, 13 National Qualifications and 4 Final Four Appearances. Talented on the court was just half of it, as Sanders has coached many Scholar Athletes over the years.

“Coach Sanders reaching 400 wins is a well-deserved milestone! She is a great coach and has done an amazing job with our volleyball team for many years. Yet, what is even better is what’s more important to her than the wins are the ladies who play for her. Lauren helps volleyball players be their best on the court, and she also helps develop them into difference makers for Christ in life. She is truly an asset to MCC and is a great example of our mission coming to life. Through her coaching and life example, she helps MCC educate, equip and enrich the young ladies on her squad,” stated President Kevin Ingram.

 With the season in postseason play, MCC is looking to bring home more handwear as they continue to play in the MCCC Tournament and will be hosting the Southwest Regional Tournament November 4 & 5. The NCCAA DII National Tournament will be November 17-19 in Kissimmee, Florida.  

Congratulations Lauren your outstanding career, looking forward to many, many more wins!