KIM SAUNDERS REFLECTS ON HER MILESTONE 200TH COACHING WIN AS SHE PREPARES THE MAIDENS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR DISTRICT PLAYOFFS
By Robb Helfrick
Kim Saunders was born and raised in Waynesboro, where she built the foundation for a successful life on family values and a love for athletic competition.
After returning to her hometown as an adult, that sturdy footing not only motivated her to excel as a volleyball coach but also as a mother, friend, and mentor. Saunders’ recent achievement of attaining her 200th career coaching win is a testament to her drive and determination.
Saunders says her success was built on teamwork. “The hard work and passion of all the dedicated athletes and the supportive community have made it special. Watching the players grow, learn, and succeed as student-athletes has been a joy.”
After High School athletics, Kim left Waynesboro in 1991 to further her education. She attended Morgan State University, where Saunders made an immediate impact on the volleyball court, setting an NCAA Division 1 record for service aces in a single season with 171.
Saunders later transferred to Drexel University and completed her degree. She began coaching in North Carolina at NC A&T and High Point University. While in the Tar Heel State, Kim met her future husband, got married, and started a family.
In 2008, Saunders returned to Waynesboro to be closer to her family. Four years later, an opportunity came knocking, and WASHS hired Kim to become the Maidens Volleyball Head Coach.
While in High School, Saunders played under respected Waynesboro coach Jay Heefner, who Kim considered a mentor. “Jay ran a really good program. To follow him and continue his legacy has been a privilege.”
The Maidens were in a rebuilding phase in 2011 before Saunders arrived and finished with a 2-16 record. However, like her college successes, Saunders’ impact on the Waynesboro volleyball program was immediate. The team rebounded to a 10-8 record in her first season. Her peers noticed the speed of that turnaround, naming Saunders Mid-Penn Capital Division Coach of the Year.
Each season afterward, the Maidens grew more confident under Saunders’ leadership. They won their division in 2014 and went to Districts. In 2015, all the team’s ingredients gelled to produce a stellar season. The Maidens finished undefeated, going 20-0. Despite being upset in a District match, it was a season that Saunders and her players will always cherish.
During the past 10 years, Saunders’s teams have been competitive, and she has won numerous coaching honors- awards she downplays when asked about details. As her team headed into the 2025 season, she didn’t focus on the past, but the year ahead.
“I believe we can be competitive every year,” Saunders said. “We set high standards. The athletes know what’s expected in the classroom, and this year’s group gets along really well.”
Coming into this season, Saunders knew she was 12 wins away from her 200th victory but thought that special number was a secret shared only between her, her husband, and her son. When she achieved that milestone win on September 29 against Northern HS, Kim quickly discovered her players also realized the significance of that win.
The Maidens surprised Saunders on the court with a banner and a festive celebration. “It was very thoughtful and really appreciated,” Coach Saunders said. “A few fellow coaches reached out; it was a very nice experience.”
At the beginning of the season, Saunders announced the yearly theme for her team. This season it was “Blue Grit, Gold Goals.” The Maidens responded, finishing 16-4, and earned a trip to the District playoffs.
When asked which players were the most instrumental in that success, Saunders stressed it was a team effort, led by a solid group of eight players. The Coach then listed each of those players’ strengths individually, including comments such as, “She’s had a big year,” or “Her game has really improved,” and “She’s been outstanding.”
One honor has eluded Coach Saunders during her impressive tenure as the Maidens’ coach: a trip to the Pennsylvania State Championships. This year, she is encouraged, as the team heads to Districts to face Central Dauphin. The Maidens are peaking at the right time. “The girls are really pumped,” Saunders said. “They’re playing at a higher level right now. With all the sacrifices they’ve made, it would be great to qualify for states.”
As she prepares her team for the crucial match, Saunders reflected on her coaching career. Were her coaching skills learned or innate? Former coach Jay Heefner once said in a press interview that Kim had tremendous vision on the court, even as a young player.
“I think for me coaching is an innate skill,” Saunders said. “Every job I’ve ever had, I’ve wound up in some managerial position.” Still, the Coach stresses collaboration as the avenue to achieving success. “It’s a team sport. You have six players on the court and they can’t touch the ball twice, so communication and cooperation are key.”
Saunders has helped a few of her players secure their first jobs, and many past athletes still come back to visit. Some former Maidens are now getting married and thriving in adult lives. “That’s meant as much to me as it does to them,” Saunders said. “Volleyball is what brought us together, but not what will keep us together. It’s the relationships we build that matter.”
When asked about which element in volleyball she focuses on each game, Saunders returns to her specialty from her college playing days. “The serve is essential and a true momentum changer. We practice serving in stressful situations on a daily basis.” When the game is on the line, Saunders teaches her players to focus on one thought: “It’s you and the ball.”
Kim Saunders draws inspiration from other coaches. After learning from High School coach Jay Heefner, she said she always admired college Basketball coach Pat Summitt. She was a groundbreaking coach whose Tennessee teams won 8 NCAA championships. Russ Rose, Penn State’s longtime volleyball coach, who built a nationally successful program, is another person that Saunders looks up to.
Asked which other sport she’d enjoy coaching, Saunders didn’t hesitate. “I’ve always wanted to coach softball. Giving the signs for steals and directing runners on the bases, the game has great strategy.”
When she’s not coaching, which takes up much of her time and energy, Saunders enjoys traveling to see her son play football. He’s a senior at the University of Delaware, and his team plays games nationwide. Kim’s younger sister lives in Waynesboro, and like their parents, she was also an athlete.
After completing 14 years as the WASHS volleyball coach, Saunders goes forward with gratitude. “I’ve never taken for granted the opportunity to lead the Maidens program. With reflection, I’m reminded of so many wonderful experiences through the sport.”
Like any coach, Saunders gauges success by victories, but her coaching philosophy extends beyond a single season or championship trophy. She believes that setting the bar high by stressing character, accountability, and integrity not only makes her players better athletes, but better people.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be at the helm for so many years,” Saunders said. “The foundation we built together is strong. Beyond the wins and losses, I am most grateful for the culture we restored for the program, the rich tradition, and lifelong relationships.”
With those thoughts, Saunders comes full circle and returns to her roots. She’s built success on framework supported by a loving family, hometown inspiration, and her passion for volleyball.
