ALISO VIEJO, CA- Soka University of America Athletic Director Michael Moore has announced the hiring of Ryan Sanders as the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Assistant Coach after a national search.
 
"We are thrilled to have Ryan join the Soka Lion family, as we know he is going to be a great addition to our program," said Moore. "He brings a great deal of experience to our department as both a coach and as a top NCAA Division I collegiate athlete."
 
Coach Sanders came to us from Pomona-Pitzer College, where he served as an assistant coach, who's focus was on the horizontal and vertical jumps, and also assisted with sprints for three years. During his time with the Sagehens, Sanders helped guide the team to one NCAA Div. III Men's Cross Country National Championship, one SCIAC Men's Conference Title, many individual SCIAC Conference Champions, two NCAA Div. III National Qualifiers, one NCAA Div. III All- American, and two school records.
 
"Ryan comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and skill in the sprints, jumps, and hurdle events," said Head Coach Patrick Boivin. "We are excited to have him on board, to watch him take our speed and power athletes to new heights! His focus on refining the technique of the events will help each athlete develop the skills needed for big personal bests."
 
Before Pomona-Pitzer, Sanders was at Cal State University, Long Beach where he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Human Development. Coach Sanders was a member of the Long Beach 49'rs Track and Field team, culminating his collegiate career with a Big West Conference Title in the Triple Jump and finishing runner up in the Long Jump event.

It was after college that Sanders really found his stride athletically, as he was categorized as an "Emerging Elite", holding personal best marks of 16.15m (53') in the Triple Jump, 7.22m (23'8") in the Long Jump, and 10.92s in the 100m Dash.

"I want to thank Patrick, Mike, and the rest of the Soka Athletic Staff for believing in me," said Sanders. "I'm bringing with me years of experience and a competitive and winning attitude. I am so excited to get started with this amazing team! Go Lions!"