Athletics
Department Overview
Education-based athletics play a critical role in the holistic development of students by integrating athletic participation with academic and character education. Unlike purely competitive sports models, education-based athletics emphasize personal growth, teamwork, leadership, and resilience, aligning athletic experiences with the broader educational mission of schools.
This model nurtures the whole child—fostering physical health, emotional intelligence, social skills, and ethical responsibility. Through structured sports programs, students learn discipline, goal setting, and time management, while also gaining essential life skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Coaches serve not just as instructors, but as mentors and role models, reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance.
By focusing on character and citizenship alongside physical development, education-based athletics contribute significantly to a student’s academic success, mental well-being, and long-term personal development. Ultimately, these programs aim to shape well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of life beyond school—on and off the field.
Althletic Director
Ronnie Bell joins Sanders from the Peach Springs Unified School District, where he served as Athletic Director and Instructional Coach. During his tenure at Peach Springs, Mr. Bell helped establish two new varsity athletic programs—Cross Country and Track & Field—expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
Before coming to Arizona, Mr. Bell worked with public schools in the Blacksburg, Virginia area, the Ithaca, New York area, Greater Washington, D.C. (Northern Virginia), and the Dominican Republic. He has been involved in athletics since 2001, coaching at every level from middle school to college and international elite competition.
Mr. Bell holds two USATF Level 2 Endorsements, is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and possesses a Virginia Master Athletic Coach endorsement from the Virginia High School League. He is also an NFHS Level 3 coach and an AIA-certified official for Cross Country and Track & Field.
Passionate about student development both on and off the field, Mr. Bell is excited to contribute to the Sanders athletic community—guiding teams toward successful seasons and helping student-athletes grow into strong, engaged members of their community.
Ronald Bell
Altheltic Director