On a typical school day, Heather Sanders starts before sunrise with hot yoga, arrives at Canyon High School by 6 a.m. and prepares for volleyball practice by 7.

After 28 years leading the Canyon Cougars, the routine is second nature. But on this recent Friday morning, just hours before her final regularly scheduled match in the Cougar Den, Sanders was preparing to close a chapter that has shaped much of her life.

Inside her office, Sanders sat calmly among decades of memories. Photos and memorabilia lined the walls, including images of the first team she coached at Canyon and the last she will lead. Former students became lifelong friends, and mentors became trusted confidants. And the moments captured on the walls became memories she will carry long after the season ends.

Sanders’ volleyball journey began at New Braunfels High School, where she played several sports under coach Claudia Perry. Athletics gave her a sense of belonging and stability during difficult times, and the coaches who supported her helped shape the mentor she would become.

"You can’t do this job alone, and I’m just so appreciative of those that have helped and have been beside me throughout all of it," Sanders told MySA.

She eventually found her calling in volleyball, combining her love of the game with her passion for teaching. After playing volleyball in college, Sanders returned to education and spent several years at New Braunfels High School before joining Canyon. 

Donna Boehle, who led Canyon’s volleyball program from 1973 to 1997, encouraged Sanders to take the position and became a trusted mentor. Sanders recalls receiving a text from Boehle every game day, a reminder of the support that helped her step into the role.

"I lost a lot of sleep for months before I started because those were big shoes to fill," Sanders said.

With Boehle’s support, Sanders built on Canyon’s volleyball tradition while establishing her own legacy. She guided the Cougars to five state tournament appearances and multiple district championships.

The team won consecutive district titles beginning in 2021 and finished the 2025 season undefeated. During her tenure, she also helped Canyon adapt as the school grew from a 4A to a 6A classification. She has earned numerous accolades, including being named the 2021 TGCA All-Star Coach and being inducted into the Austin College Athletic Hall of Honor.

Her career also brought changes beyond the court. Sanders explained how volleyball rules evolved throughout her time, but said becoming a mother had an even greater impact on her approach to coaching.

"You do change when you have children of your own, and it makes you a better teacher, makes you a better coach," she said.

Her daughter, Logan, became part of one of her biggest career milestones. In August 2024, Sanders earned her 800th career win in the same match Logan recorded her 1,000th assist.

After 33 years in education, Sanders is ready for what comes next, even if leaving is bittersweet.

"I’m really excited for the next chapter," she said. "It’s bittersweet, of course, but ultimately I feel like it’s time to pass the torch on to someone else. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished here over the last 28 years, but I’m excited for the next chapter."

Retirement will give Sanders more time to cheer from the stands as Logan continues her collegiate volleyball career at Rutgers University. She also hopes to travel and finally see New Mexico’s golden aspens in October, a sight she has often missed during volleyball season.

Before Friday’s match on October 23, Sanders had 878 career victories.

On that Friday evening, stepping on the court one last time in the Cougar Den, Sanders and the Cougars won, giving Sanders a final home victory and bringing a career total to 879. With the win and a 12-2 district record this season, the team clinched the District 29-6A championship after defeating Judson High School. 

For a coach who spent nearly three decades carrying Canyon’s volleyball legacy forward, it was one last win to add to the record, and one final memory to take with her.

Sanders will retire at the end of December.