Sara Hammond is entering her fourth season after being named the Union University women's basketball program assistant coach in May 2017. Hammond comes to Union after having played the last three years of professional basketball overseas for SV Halle Lions and UNI Ferrol.
Hammond played college basketball for the University of Louisville for four seasons. She played in 141 games, starting 113 times. Her 141 games played ranks her third all-time at Louisville and her 15 NCAA Tournament games played is most in school history. She helped lead her team to a national runner-up finish in 2013. In 2013, Hammond was named the Preseason WNIT MVP as she led Louisville to the tournament title. She was named to the College Sports Madness All-Big East third team in 2013, first team All-AAC in 2014 and then second team All ACC in 2015. Hammond was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American in 2014. She was named to the Preseason Wade Trophy, Naismith and Wooden watch list in 2014. When she graduated form Louisville, she was in the top-15 in scoring, top-5 in rebounding, top-10 in blocked shots and double-double games. Her Louisville teams made the NCAA tournament all four years of her career, including three Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights and one Final Four.
Hammond is a 2015 graduate Louisville where she earned a bachelors degree in health and human performance. She was named first team All-ACC Academic Team in 2015 and was a four year member of the SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). Hammond was the FCA leader at Louisville from 2011-15, speaking a numerous elementary, middle and high schools across the state of Kentucky. She also had the opportunity to speak at several FCA Banquets and special events including Coaches breakfast at the KHSAA Girls State Tournament. Hammond was featured in the FCA magazine twice. She worked with the University of Louisville Recreation and Parks department teaching and speaking to special needs youth and working special needs sports events.
Hammond won Gold Medal with Team USA at the FIBA 3x3 World Championships in 2014. She was also invited to tryout for Team USA World University Games in 2013.
When talking about her goals and objectives in coaching, Hammond said “I want to continue to be a part of the game of basketball by having an impact in helping young women develop positive character traits and reaching their dreams. My goal as a coach in women’s basketball is to take my experiences as a player and use that to connect and build relationships with the players to help sharpen their skills, basketball IQ and development of becoming a well-rounded young woman.
Hammond, a native of Mt. Vernon, Ky., played high school basketball for Rockcastle County High School where she graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,121 career points. She was named a McDonald’s All-American, the first player from the state of Kentucky to earn the honor. She was also named a Parade All-American and a third team USA Today High School All-American. In 2011, she was named Kentucky Miss Basketball.
Hammond is the daughter of Eddie and Roxanne Hammond.
