New Athletic Director Named

Ascension Academy Announces New Athletic Director

           July 8, 2025—Amarillo, Texas — Ascension Academy is pleased to announce the promotion of David Sanders as the school’s new Athletic Director. Sanders will join the administration team and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a school's athletic program, including ensuring compliance with regulations and acting as a communication hub between the athletic department, school administration, and parents of student athletes. This new role will be in addition to his ongoing teaching responsibilities.

Sanders will work to make competitive schedules for all sports at Ascension, hire and supervise qualified coaches, and provide an inclusive athletic program for all student-athletes at Ascension Academy.

Head of School, Tim Oditt says, "We are thrilled that Coach Sanders is taking on the role of
Athletic Director. His knowledge of our student-athletes and dedication to their success is
exceptional. I look forward to Coach Sanders moving our Athletic Department to new heights".

Sanders has been a coach and faculty member at Ascension Academy for 16 years. Prior to
his arrival at Ascension, he was the Athletic Director and head coach at Heritage Classical
Academy (formerly Bible Heritage) in Amarillo. Most recently, he has coached the Cross
Country, Middle School girls basketball, and Track & Field teams. Seven of Ascension’s Track and Cross Country teams, coached by Sanders, have placed first at the TAPPS State track meet. Additionally, Sanders has held the position of History Department Chair while teaching American History, Preparatory US History I, US History II AP and Dual Credit US History II. Sanders will continue to coach Cross Country and Track and teach history classes in addition to his new role as Athletic Director.

David holds a B.A. in History, a Minor in English and Music and a M.A. in History from Wayland Baptist University. Sanders is also an Eagle Scout, a three-time former head Chief of the Kwahadi Indian Dancers, and a deacon and pianist at Temple Baptist Church.

“I am excited and humbled to accept the role of Athletic Director at Ascension Academy, a
school that has been my home for the past 16 years. Here at Ascension, we seamlessly blend athletics with education, creativity, and leadership. I desire to inspire our student athletes to pursue all of their wide-ranging passions and interests with discipline, focus, and integrity,” says Sanders.