Inspiring Message from THSCA President – Drew Sanders

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: February 25, 2026

This is a letter published in the February 2026 issue of Texas Coach magazine, produced by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA)

February 2026

To the best coaches in the nation,

This May, I'll watch my last child walk across the stage at Vandegrift High School. It is crazy to even type that. For most of my career, I was the young coach—or the new head coach. A few years pass, and suddenly I'm what they politely call "experienced."

As much as I'm excited for the celebration, the graduation party, and all that comes with it, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't bittersweet. This also marks the end of having all my kids in the house and getting to be a dad—daily, in person. Recently, an offensive coach and I were talking about balancing the pull of being an elite coach and a great dad. I shared a few things I've learned along the way.

So today's column is about being a great parent while still pursuing excellence in coaching. Here are three rules I believe help.

Rule #1: Always be available.

When your child asks you to play, say yes. No matter what. District championship week. Coming off a loss. Say yes.

Now that my kids are grown, it's funny what they remember—random games of catch or building Legos. Not the "big days." I once asked my older sons what they remembered about the time I took out a second mortgage on my house and took them to Disney. Unfortunately, their response was, "Not much."

So stop. Sit down. Look them in the eye. Play Barbies. Wrestle. You won't regret it—and it might be the mental break that gives you your next great idea. It doesn't have to be long. Just be there.

Rule #2: Involve your family in your work.

When I was at Travis High School, my wife would bring our boys up to campus, and we'd eat lunch together or meet at Chick-fil-A. Just an hour on a busy in-season day—but it made a huge difference for all of us.

Head coaches, allow your coaches to bring their kids up during the summer. It's a simple way to show you care. Kids remember those moments, so do everything you can to make it happen, regardless of your role.

Rule #3: Work less on the weekends.

Football coaches—this one's for you. Just because something was done a certain way doesn't mean it's the best way. We don't drive Model T's or talk on BlackBerrys anymore. Times change, and usually we move forward.

Since 2017, our staff hasn't worked in the office on Saturdays, and we've had the most successful run in school history. Coaches get their work done—on their schedule. Soccer games, naps, family time—no permission needed. Just get your work done. All of us "experienced" coaches know we've accidentally taken a nap during a Saturday game-planning session anyway, so let's be more efficient and support our coaches' families at the same time.

Try it. You and your staff won't go back. Coaching is hard enough. Let's not make it harder than it has to be. You can be a great parent and a great coach.

Moving on to THSCA news—thank you to all the coaches who made time for our Regional Meetings. Important things happen when we come together. Congratulations to our R.O.C.K. Class of 2026—you're in for an incredible journey. Boys & Girls Basketball and Wrestling Academic All-State nominations are due March 1.

Don't forget about the Texas Coaches Leadership Tour at texasleadershiptour.com. Registration for Coaching School and membership renewal opens March 1—let's get to 30,000 members. Super-Elite teams and Coach of the Year nominations for wrestling, swim/dive, and basketball are coming up soon.

Thank you for taking the time to read this—and more importantly, thank you for who you are and what you do. You matter to your families, your athletes, and this great state. Keep improving. Keep serving. Keep making a difference—one kid at a time.

Drew Sanders, THSCA President