Almost one year ago, on January 2, 2024, the Warriors lost someone very special to our lives. Coach Kerry Sarden warmed the hearts of students at North Atlanta, whether he was guiding you as a dedicated health teacher or inspiring you as a beloved basketball coach. His warmth, wisdom, and long lasting belief in students continue to resonate in the hallways and on the court. Not a day goes by where his laughter, lessons, and legacy are not remembered by the students of North Atlanta.
For those fortunate enough to know Coach Sarden, it quickly became clear that he was so much more than just the school’s basketball coach or a regular health teacher. He was the heart of North Atlanta — a man whose kindness made everyone feel valued and seen. His smile could light up any room, and his genuine care for others left an imprint that will never fade. To his students and colleagues, he wasn’t just a teacher or coach, but a mentor, a friend, and a source of endless encouragement.
Coach Sarden left a lasting impact on every student he taught or coached, but for my family and me, his influence was deeply personal. My brother Ned was coached by Sarden for all four years in both golf and basketball, forming a close bond with him, so his passing was especially hard. My sister Francie also grew close to Sarden during the year she had him as a teacher, cherishing his warmth and wisdom. For me, it wasn’t until the beginning of last year that I truly connected with Sarden and appreciated the remarkable person he was. I’ll never forget the lessons he taught me — not just about basketball, but about life. “He was a great coach, but an even better guy,” said 2021 graduate Ned Coleman. “He cared about all of us as people, not just as players, and that’s what made him so special.”
To honor Coach Sarden’s incredible legacy, North Atlanta is planning on taking a monumental step by naming our basketball court after him. This will tribute to the lasting impact he had on our school community, touching our lives both on the court and beyond. It’s more than just a name — It’s a reminder of how much he believed in us, his endless kindness, and the important life lessons he shared with everyone lucky enough to know him. This court will forever stand as a tribute to the man who made North Atlanta better in every way.
Coach Sarden’s presence is still felt every day, watching over us and guiding us with the lessons he left behind — a reminder that he will never be forgotten.
