Southern University

Coach Joshua Sanford enters his fourth season with the Southern University softball program as an assistant coach, where he works primarily with the Lady Jaguars’ outfielders and power hitters while also serving as the program’s lead recruiter.

The 2026 season marked one of the most successful campaigns in program history. Southern set a school record with 37 victories and advanced to the SWAC Softball Championship game for the first time since 2009. The Lady Jaguars also finished the year with the second-highest RPI ever recorded by a SWAC softball program.

Sanford played a key role in recruiting 2026 SWAC Newcomer of the Year Laila Clark and standout slugger Prestaisha White. Both were major contributors to a record-breaking offensive season that saw Southern hit 37 home runs, the most in program history.

His recruiting impact was also evident in the 2025 signing class, highlighted by Aaliyah Zabala, who went on to earn 2026 SWAC Pitcher of the Year honors. Along with Zabala, Sanford helped bring in six additional student-athletes who played significant roles during Southern’s historic 2026 campaign. In 2025, the Lady Jaguars posted 22 wins, their highest total since 2008, and secured a second consecutive berth in the SWAC Tournament.

During the 2024 season, Southern finished 16-27 overall and 12-12 in conference play, continuing the program’s steady progress while earning another appearance in the SWAC Tournament.

A proud Southern University alumnus, Sanford earned his degree in Health and Physical Education and was a member of the world-renowned "Human Jukebox" Marching Band. A native of Zachary, Louisiana, he currently resides in Baton Rouge.

Sanford brings seven years of coaching experience to the Lady Jaguars program. He began his coaching career at Woodlawn High School before spending four years at Scotlandville Magnet High School. Prior to joining Southern, he spent two years at Port Allen High School. Throughout his high school coaching career, he helped numerous student-athletes earn All-District honors while developing talent both on and off the field.