Class of 2020

Shaelyn Sanders, a graduate of Splendora High School's Class of 2020, distinguished herself both academically and athletically during her time there. As a member of the National Honor Society, she also excelled in volleyball, softball, and track, earning numerous accolades in all three sports. Despite the abrupt end to the 2020 softball season, Shaelyn's talent shone through as she garnered honorable mention all-state and first-team all-district honors, first-team All-Montgomery County recognition in 2019, and was named the district’s Utility Player of the Year in 2019. Her peers also recognized her leadership and charm, electing her Splendora High School’s Homecoming Queen in her senior year.

After high school, Shaelyn attended Blinn Junior College, where she played softball for a year before transferring to McNeese State University. At McNeese, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and continued her stellar softball career. In 2024, Shaelyn was named the Southland Conference (SLC) "Pitcher of the Year," earned first-team All-SLC honors, and was selected for both the SLC All-Tournament team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. She posted an impressive 20-10 overall record and a 12-1 conference record, leading the conference in wins and boasting the lowest ERA both overall (1.76) and in conference games (0.82). She also led the Cowgirls in wins (20), shutouts (7), strikeouts (156), and innings pitched (199.1), tying for the team-high with three saves. Of her 12 conference wins, eight were complete games, including seven shutouts.

Shaelyn plans to stay close to home to complete her master’s degree online while offering softball lessons. Reflecting on her connection to Splendora, she said, “To me, being a Wildcat means always having somewhere to call home. No matter how long I am gone, Splendora will always be a place I can return to. The people here have been so supportive throughout my life.”