Director of Athletics

Welcome to Florida State College and BlueWave Athletics

As we strive to assist student-athletes in achieving their educational and athletic goals, we’re proud to spotlight a world of athletic opportunities.

While our tradition on the playing field/court is recognized as one of the finest in Florida and the country, our record of academic successes is also worth notice.

It’s a fact ... we feel that our student-athletes’ performance in the classroom is their first priority and that academic achievement is the foundation for each of them to obtain their personal objectives. We encourage and support advanced planning, goal-setting, and time management both in the classroom and on the field/court.

If you haven’t already, please plan to visit the College and our athletic facilities. We value your interest and look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Go BlueWave!

About the Director

George Sanders is in his sixth full year of employment with Florida State College and his 25th year in the Florida College System. Since his arrival, three teams have advanced to NJCAA National Championships: softball (2009), tennis (2008-11) and volleyball (2010).

He joined the Florida State College staff in December 2005 after spending 18 years at Manatee Community College (MCC). During his time at MCC he served as a professional assistant in the health and physical education department, head athletic trainer and a full-time faculty member. He was named as the full-time athletic director in May 1994.

Sanders completed his undergraduate work at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., which also is his hometown. He received a bachelor of science degree in health, physical education and recreation, and was named “Outstanding Graduate” in health, physical education and recreation in 1985. He continued his education at the University of Georgia where he earned a master of education degree in physical education in 1988.

While in college and graduate school, Sanders worked with two highly regarded programs that consistently participated in postseason competitions. Teams with which he worked won two NAIA national championships, one Southeastern Conference title and one NCAA runner-up finish. He continued his association with quality athletic teams at MCC, qualifying seven teams for National competitions during his tenure including two NJCAA JUCO Baseball World Series runner-up finishes.

Sanders is an active member of both state and national organizations in athletic training (NATA and ATAF), the Florida College System Activities Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

He and his wife, Suzanne, are the parents of Zachary, 23, a student at Florida State College, and Abby, 15, a 10th grader.