Dean College

Coach Jay Sanford enters his first season with the Dean College baseball coaching staff, bringing with him a wealth of leadership, discipline, and player development experience. A retired United States Marine Corps veteran, Sanford has successfully translated his military background into his coaching philosophy—emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and mental toughness both on and off the field.
 
Sanford earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College, where he developed a deep understanding of motivation, performance, and mental conditioning—skills that have become central to his approach to coaching and player development.
 
Before arriving at Dean, Sanford served as a Varsity Assistant Coach at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island. During his tenure, he helped lead the Hawks to the 2025 Rhode Island Division I State Championship, contributing to one of the state’s most successful high school baseball programs. Prior to his time at Hendricken, Sanford spent four years as the Varsity Assistant Coach at Cranston High School East, where he played a key role in player development and program growth.
 
In addition to his collegiate and high school coaching roles, Sanford serves as the Program Director and 18U Head Coach for the Rhode Island Devils Baseball Organization. Under his leadership, the Devils have earned a reputation for excellence and player advancement, achieving over 250 wins and two national rankings from Perfect Game—in 2021 and again in 2025, when his 18U team was ranked #1 in the Northeast and 27th in the country. In just over five years, Sanford has built the program into one of the top developmental baseball organizations in the region, known for preparing athletes to compete at the collegiate level.
 
Coach Sanford’s combination of military discipline, academic insight, and competitive coaching success make him a valuable asset to the Dean College Bulldogs program. His commitment to developing complete student-athletes—both as players and as individuals—reflects the core values of the Dean College athletic community.