LIBERTY – Sam Sanders is working on his passion, not far from where he began. As a man of faith and Deacon at Friendship Baptist Church, Sanders has spent his life giving back to his community. 

Ordained in 2016, Sanders shared, “In life, it’s important that I help as many people as I can, giving spiritual guidance.” Sanders currently works at a children’s home for families and youth. Plastered on his Facebook page, you will find scriptures and uplifting quotes reflecting his positive outlook on life.

 Sanders is a 1979 graduate of Liberty High School. As a student, he served on the yearbook committee and worked on the sports section. Sanders, like many student athletes, played multiple sports but chose to focus on basketball. 

He played varsity baseball for four years and received the Annual Block “L” plaque for best baseball hitter. The award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in athletics and academics.

 On the basketball court is where Sanders truly excelled. He [Sanders] is a two-time Ivan Richard MVP Basketball Trophy winner.  Averaging 19.8 points per game, Sanders was 2nd in the league in scoring behind Reggie Steel. After graduating high school, Sanders attended SUNY Delhi, racking up several accolades, including All-Region and Junior College Honorable Mention All-American. 

Mansfield College in Pennsylvania came calling after Sanders’ two-year stint at Delhi, and recruited him to the Division II school. 

The NBA tryout

Once college play had ended in Mansfield, Sanders played in a semi-pro league in Elmira, averaging over 40 points. After winning the championship that year, scouts came to watch the team play, and he was invited to a free-agent tryout with the New Jersey Nets. 

Sanders says, “I did well.” But at 6 feet tall, he was considered too short to play the shooting guard position, a preferred position for Sanders since playing one of the “bigs” in high school.

 In the 1980s, the average height of shooting guards like Clyde Drexler, Joe Dumars, Michael Jordan, and many others was  6’4” or taller. 

An overseas opportunity

“It was a simple decision”

“Always think about what is best for you at the moment. Don’t just go with a feeling; make sure it’s the right decision. It’s what I tell the students who attend my camp,” shared Sanders. He delved into the topic of his decision to turn down an opportunity to play overseas in Australia at an invitation from Reggie Biddings, a star player from Liberty. Biddings holds the scoring record for the NBL.Sanders said, “It was a simple decision. I thought about it over the years, and I don’t regret it. 

“I wanted a secure job, I wanted to start a family, and I knew that was the way to go.”  

At the time, his wife was pregnant with their first child, and Sanders had recently received an offer to work in the Sullivan Correctional Facility, making a stable and dependable wage.

 This would prove to be one of the most important decisions for Sanders, as this would begin his work with the youth in the community.

Giving Back

Over the years, Sanders has dedicated his life to the youth of this community. 

He founded Rising Stars Youth Basketball, pouring his knowledge of basketball and, most importantly, life into younger generations. 

He coached basketball and football in Liberty and in Fallsburg, coached girls’ varsity basketball, returning the team to the playoffs after a nine-year hiatus. 

 “I’m most proud of that coaching experience,” Sanders shared. “I enjoyed coaching that team. The girls were awesome.” 

Not only has Sanders coached in the Liberty and Fallsburg School Districts, he was also a part of the coaching staff with the local semi-pro Hudson Valley Hawks from 2015-2017,  where they won a championship in their first year and went to the finals in the second, and was head coach of the Hudson Valley Rivermen in 2023.

A ministry in and outside the church

Sanders has been a stalwart working with youth, serving as a recreation supervisor and mentor. Throughout his career, he has made a positive impact on the lives of young people, at the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon, St. Christopher’s in White Plains, and The Children’s Home in Liberty, where he currently works as a case worker.

Sanders serves as a deacon under Pastor Harry L. Brown Jr. and has expressed that he believes his role as a deacon was ordained by God. “I am doing God’s will in life.”

A well-deserved honor

Sam Sanders is one of Liberty Central School District’s Wall of Fame Honorees for 2025, along with fellow honoree, this year, Albert Van Dyke

 Past inductees include Maurice “Mo” Martin, Joseph R. Lewis, Alan Gerry, and Joyce Eggler Teed. The award celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of graduates or attendees of Liberty’s schools. The Wall of Fame Committee will honor inductees with a reception and induction ceremony.