Minnesota State assistant coach earns national honor

Amy Sander named 2026 WBCA NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:10pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in bright blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and strategy of a women's basketball game.The innovative coaching of Amy Sander has been a driving force behind the Minnesota State women's basketball team's recent success.Atlanta Today

Minnesota State women's basketball associate head coach Amy Sander has been named the 2026 WBCA NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year, a prestigious national award recognizing her contributions to the team's success.

Why it matters

This award highlights the hard work and dedication of assistant coaches in women's basketball, who often play a crucial role in player development and team strategy behind the scenes. Sander's recognition brings positive attention to the Minnesota State program and the Mankato community.

The details

Sander has been an associate head coach with the Minnesota State women's basketball team for the past five seasons, helping lead the program to multiple conference tournament appearances and NCAA Division II tournament berths. She is known for her tireless recruiting efforts and innovative player training methods that have contributed to the team's on-court success.

  • Sander was named the 2026 WBCA NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year on April 3, 2026.

The players

Amy Sander

The associate head coach of the Minnesota State women's basketball team, who was recognized as the 2026 WBCA NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year for her contributions to the program's success.

Minnesota State women's basketball team

The NCAA Division II basketball program that Sander has been an associate head coach for over the past five seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Amy is so deserving of this national recognition. Her tireless work ethic and innovative coaching methods have been instrumental to our program's success over the past several years.”

— Jessica Green, Head Coach, Minnesota State Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Minnesota State women's basketball team will look to build on their recent success and make another deep run in the NCAA Division II tournament next season, with Sander continuing in her role as a key member of the coaching staff.

The takeaway

This award for Amy Sander highlights the vital role that assistant coaches play in the success of college basketball programs, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop players and contribute to winning strategies. Her recognition brings well-deserved attention to the Minnesota State women's basketball team and the Mankato community.