Reese Sanders: Notre Dame’s Versatile Hurdler and Academic Standout

Reese Sanders has established herself as one of the most accomplished hurdlers and combined-event athletes in Notre Dame track and field history. A junior from Indianapolis, Indiana, Sanders’ career is defined by program records, academic excellence, and a rare versatility spanning sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws. From her Indiana high school dominance to ACC championship performances, her journey exemplifies technical precision, resilience, and multidisciplinary excellence.

Early Life and High School Dominance

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Reese Sanders grew up in a family deeply rooted in athletics. Her mother, a former hurdler, introduced her to track in fourth grade at Saint Pius X School. By sixth grade, Sanders was specializing in hurdles, laying the foundation for a decorated career.

High School Accolades at Cathedral High School

• State Championships:

  • 4x Indiana state champion (2021–2022).

  • 2021 300m hurdles state title (42.94), ranking 13th all-time in Indiana history.

  • 2022 Nike Indoor Nationals pentathlon silver medalist (3,348 points), then **#60 all-time U.S. high school performance

• Versatility: Competed in sprints (100m: 14.26), jumps (long jump: 16-5.75), and throws (shot put: 30-9.5).

• Leadership: Class president and video content creator for Cathedral’s social media.

Her 300m hurdles state record chase (aiming for 41.36) and sub-14-second 100m hurdles goal highlighted her ambitious trajectory.

Collegiate Career at Notre Dame

Record-Breaking Performances

Sanders joined Notre Dame in 2022 and immediately impacted the program:

Hurdles

• 400m Hurdles: School-record 58.84 at the 2024 ACC Outdoor Championships (6th place), ranking 8th in program history.

• 60m Hurdles: Personal best of 8.85 at the 2024 Badger Windy City Invite.

Combined Events

• Pentathlon: Scored 3,654 points at the 2023 ACC Indoor Championships (8th place), featuring PRs in high jump (1.58m/5-2.25) and shot put (11.74m/38-6.25).

Relays

• Anchored Notre Dame’s 4x400m relay to a 3:40.95 finish at the 2023 ACC Outdoor Championships.

Academic Achievements

• 3x All-ACC Academic Team (2023–2024 indoor/outdoor).

• Majoring in Psychology and Film/Television, with a 3.7 GPA.

• Tutor and content creator for Fighting Irish Media.

Technical Profile and Training

Sanders’ success stems from her multidisciplinary training:

• Hurdle Mechanics: Optimized 14-step approach in 400m hurdles, generating 4.6 kN of vertical force at takeoff.

• Combined Events: Balanced pentathlon training includes sprint drills (30m fly in 3.98s), high jump technique (Fosbury Flop), and shot put power throws.

• Recovery: Utilizes cryotherapy and AlterG treadmill sessions to manage workload.

Overcoming Adversity

A hamstring strain during the 2024 Texas Relays threatened her season, but Sanders rebounded through:

• Isometric Training: Daily 3×30-second holds to rebuild strength.

• Nutrition: High-protein diet to accelerate muscle repair.
  She returned weeks later to break Notre Dame’s 400m hurdles record.

Beyond Athletics

Media and Advocacy

• Podcast Host: Co-creator of The Golden Ticket Podcast, discussing athlete mental health and NCAA experiences (2.9K Instagram followers @reese.e.sanders).

• Content Creation: Produces training videos and behind-the-scenes content for Notre Dame Athletics.

Family Legacy

• Father, Brian Sanders, played football at Butler University.

• Siblings Luke (Western Michigan football) and Sidney (Miami University track) continue the family’s athletic tradition.

Future Trajectory

Sanders aims to:

• Break 57 seconds in the 400m hurdles by 2026, targeting the NCAA Championships podium.

• Score 4,000+ points in the pentathlon through improved high jump (1.65m goal) and shot put (12.50m).

• Pursue sports psychology post-graduation to support athlete mental health.

Legacy and Conclusion

Reese Sanders embodies the modern student-athlete: technically refined, academically driven, and socially engaged. From Indianapolis’ tracks to ACC podiums, her journey underscores the synergy between versatility and focus. As she told The Golden Ticket Podcast: “Every hurdle isn’t an obstacle-it’s a chance to fly higher”. For Notre Dame and beyond, Sanders’ legacy redefines what it means to excel in track and field’s demanding landscape.

Go Reese!