Success in basketball starts with good leadership. Every team needs someone who will motivate them, unify them, and put them on the path towards victory. The North Atlanta basketball team has their man in Head Coach Kerry Sarden. Coach Sarden has led the Warriors to great successes, including a trip to the state Final Four tournament last year.

Before he ever coached a basketball team, Sarden was once a hotshot basketball player himself. He was an All-State point guard in the state of Michigan in his high school days, helping his team advance to the city championship. He continued his basketball career at Olivet University, where he was a two-time All-Conference player. Sarden then played professionally overseas for 10 years.

Sarden has been a part of organized basketball since the age of nine. Given this experience, he acts as an insightful veteran when it comes to coaching basketball. However, Sarden believes there’s more to the game than meets the eye. “My philosophy is to share all the life lessons that are in the game of basketball.” he said. “Learning to be focused, committed and disciplined. In the end, the goal is to learn and become better people.”

Being the basketball coach isn’t the only thing Sarden does for North Atlanta. He is also a health and personal fitness teacher during school hours. In order to balance educating and coaching, Sarden has to continue to be very organized. He usually does this by writing a list of around five things to accomplish in class and five things to accomplish with the basketball team.  “It is extremely challenging at times.” he said. “However, every time I’m able to scratch off one of the “to do things” from my list, I feel like it motivates me to keep working.”

Not only is Coach Sarden a great coach and educator, but he also serves as Vice President of Operations at the SaMarc Dream and Achieve Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to help impoverished kids achieve their dreams and build character through the game of basketball. “I am blessed to be part of such a great organization that operates learning centers, provides seminars, educational discovery trips and a variety of STEM activities for understanding youth. To bring hope in someone’s life is my mission,” Sarden said.

In Coach Sarden, the Warriors have someone who’s dedicated to his craft and dedicated to helping others. They not only have a great coach who has led them to success, but an educator, a former basketball standout, and someone who lives to make others’ lives better. There’s not much else you could want in a leader.