BIO:  Karen Sanders is entering her second season as the head softball coach at Valley View. Last year, the Lady Blazers earned a share of the conference title and ended their season in the state semifinals. This is her 25th year in the education profession. Her previous softball coaching experience has been at Brookland, where she was the head coach for 9 years. There, the Lady Bearcats appeared in 2 semi-finals, as well as won 2 regional championships and 3 conference/district championships. During her stint at Wynne, she was an assistant softball coach and enjoyed watching the Lady Jackets win a State Championship, as well as conference championship.  Karen began her softball coaching career as the head coach at Nettleton for 6 years, winning a state championship, as well as 2 state runner ups, and two conference championships.  Karen has also spent her coaching years in other sports: volleyball, basketball, tennis (currently), cheer, track and cross country.

She graduated in 2000 from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, where she played basketball and softball. She also received her Master's degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University in 2023. 

Since 2008, she has been a member of the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association), currently serving on the high school steering committee and part of the mentoring program. She also serves on the state's association, Arkansas High School Fastptich Coaches Association (AHSFCA), as Executive Director.

She is married to Anthony Sanders who is an agriculture teacher also at Valley View. They have one son, Jacob.