Jul 29, 2025

Olympian Sandra Glover hired as head track and field coach

Posted Jul 29, 2025 7:25 PM
Sandra Glover. Photo by Colby Community College
Sandra Glover. Photo by Colby Community College

Colby Community College

COLBY — Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Sandra Glover as the new head coach for the Trojan Track and Field program.

Glover is a former Olympian, world medalist, and decorated collegiate coach who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Colby's athletics department.

A 2000 U.S. Olympian and University of Houston graduate, Glover boasts an exceptional resume as both an athlete and a coach. She is a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and bronze medalist (2005) in the 400-meter hurdles and was a four-time USA Track & Field Trials Champion (1999–2002). Glover was also an NCAA All-American in 1991 during her collegiate career.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Glover to Colby," said Colby Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Her background as an elite competitor and a mentor to dozens of high-performing student-athletes makes her the perfect fit to lead our program. Her commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns with the mission of Colby Community College."

Glover most recently served as an assistant track & field coach at Western New Mexico University, where she oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, and mid-distance events. Prior to that, she spent five highly successful years at her alma mater, the University of Houston (2019–2024), coaching long sprinters, hurdlers, and middle-distance athletes.

During her tenure with the Cougars, she played a key role in developing elite talent, coaching nine NCAA First Team All-Americans, four NCAA Second Team All-Americans, and seven NCAA National Qualifiers. She also guided three athletes to Big 12 Conference championships and helped produce 30 American Conference First Team selections.

Among her standout athletes was Kelly-Ann Beckford, the 2024 Big 12 Female Indoor Athlete of the Year, who set a University of Houston school record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.70. She also coached Sydni Townsend, who represented Houston in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the program's 400m hurdles record holder (55.00). Another standout, Lloyd Frilot, captured the American Conference 800m title and school record under Glover's guidance.

Before her time at Houston, Glover coached at Alcorn State University (2015–2018), where she produced two SWAC Conference Champions and helped set 11 school records, and Prairie View A&M University (2014–2015), where she focused on sprints, hurdles, and jumps. She began her collegiate coaching journey at Houston Christian University (2011–2013) as a volunteer assistant.

When asked about what excites her about this new opportunity, Glover shared, "At the junior college level, you're building a foundation. You're preparing student-athletes for the next step in their journey, and it's important to develop a strong, competitive product that encourages four-year coaches to keep coming back for more."

Glover is a USATF Level 1 certified coach and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston (1993). Beyond her athletic and coaching accolades, she brings strong leadership skills and a passion for mentorship. She is known for fostering student-athlete development both on the track and in the classroom, emphasizing effective communication, goal setting, and accountability.

Looking ahead, Glover expressed her vision for the program, stating, "I'm excited to develop exceptional talent and help elevate Colby into a highly respected and competitive program."

At Colby, Glover will lead both the men's and women's track & field programs. She will be responsible for recruiting, training, competition scheduling, and building on the Trojans' growing tradition of athletic and academic success.