About Drew Sanders

Drew Sanders, the head football coach and athletic coordinator at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, was born and raised in Mexia, Texas. He has been instrumental in developing the school's football program since its inception in 2009.

Before taking over at Vandegrift, Sanders had a successful coaching career that included leading Austin Travis High School as head coach. During his tenure at Austin Travis, he revitalized the program, leading the team to success and a playoff appearance, a significant achievement for the school. His ability to turn around programs and instill a winning culture was evident even before his time at Vandegrift.

Under Sanders' leadership, Vandegrift's football team has achieved significant milestones, including securing their first state championship in the 2024 season by defeating Southlake Carroll 24-17 in the Class 6A Division II title game. This victory marked a pinnacle in Sanders' coaching career, reflecting his dedication to building a culture of excellence within the program.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Sanders was named Central Texas Football Coach of the Year in early 2025. Additionally, he was elected as President-Elect for the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) for the 2024-25 term, a testament to his leadership and influence within the Texas high school football community.

Sanders is widely recognized for his defensive philosophy, known as the "Broken Stack." This innovative approach to defense has been a key component of his teams' success, emphasizing flexibility, discipline, and aggressive play to disrupt opposing offenses. His defensive schemes have been studied and respected by coaches across the state.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes core values such as discipline, effort, toughness, and honor. His commitment to these principles has not only led to on-field success but has also fostered the personal development of his players, contributing to the lasting legacy of Vandegrift's football program.

Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Sanders is known for his mantra "Expect to Win" (E.T.W.), a philosophy he instilled from the program's early days. This mindset has been a driving force behind the team's resilience and success over the years.

Outside of football, Sanders has been married for 27 years and is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife have three children: Matthew, Caleb, and Sadie. Family is a cornerstone of his life, and he takes great pride in balancing his coaching career with his role as a husband and father.

Sanders' journey with Vandegrift High School exemplifies his dedication to building a competitive and respected football program, earning him recognition and respect within the broader coaching community.