Justin Sanders has been promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program, according to an April 24 announcement by head coach Ali Skayhan.
The promotion comes after Sanders contributed to significant achievements for the Spartans since joining in 2023. His efforts have helped the team achieve record-setting seasons, including tying for the second-most wins in a season during the program’s Division I era and guiding players to numerous conference honors. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow this program alongside Ali since arriving in 2023,” Sanders said. “The vision, trajectory, and overall Upstate Volleyball experience are truly one of one. I’m thankful for the unwavering support of Matthew Martin, Sarah Gildersleeve-Jones, and the entire Upstate community. I can’t wait to keep reaching new heights. Go Spartans!”
Skayhan praised Sanders’ commitment and influence on both players and staff: “We’re very fortunate to continue to have Justin on our staff. His commitment to this program says everything about who he is. His integrity and daily approach have been central to our success, and the respect he’s earned from our team speaks volumes about the standard he sets in and out of the gym,” Skayhan said.
During his tenure at USC Upstate, Sanders played a role in helping five Spartans earn All-Conference honors from the Big South Conference—a record number for a single season—and saw multiple individual records set by student-athletes such as Kamyla Vega David and Ady O’Grady. The team’s performance also included leading statistical categories within their conference.
Sanders joined USC Upstate after coaching stints at Wofford College—where he worked with Skayhan—and Jacksonville State University. He also spent time as a student manager at Kentucky while competing as captain of its men’s club volleyball team.
All athletic department hires at USC Upstate are subject to approved background checks.
