Head Coach, Sarah Dessner: Varsity Girls Basketball
Sarah Dessner begins her first season as head coach of Peddie’s varsity girls basketball program, bringing collegiate coaching experience, a championship background and a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the court.
Most recently, Dessner served as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Georgian Court University, where she focused on player development, game strategy, recruiting and program organization. Prior to Georgian Court, she spent seven years as an assistant coach at Jackson Memorial High School, helping guide the program to a state championship. She also founded Shore Aces, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball program that began with two girls teams and has grown into a coeducational organization with more than 15 teams.
Her interest in Peddie began with a visit to campus during the 2025-26 season.
“I was on the Peddie campus to support a friend coaching against Peddie and I fell in love with the campus,” she said. “I started doing some more research about the school and learned about the historic success the girls basketball program once had. As I learned more, I thought this would be a great place for me to continue coaching.”
As she looks ahead to her first season leading the Falcons, Dessner is eager to contribute to Peddie’s tradition of excellence.
“What I’m looking forward to most is the opportunity to build and sustain a championship culture both on and off the court,” she said. “I’m excited to help develop young women who strive for excellence in all areas of their lives while competing at the highest level. I’m also eager to become an active member of the Peddie community and contribute to the school’s tradition of excellence, leadership and personal growth.”
One of Dessner’s proudest moments as a coach has been helping her younger sister earn the opportunity to play college basketball. She credits that experience as reinforcing the values that games can teach, including leadership, teamwork and respect. Dessner counts winning a state championship with Jackson Memorial High School in 2012 among her most memorable accomplishments.
Dessner’s mother, who is a social worker, has been one of her greatest inspirations.
“My philosophy is centered on using basketball as a vehicle for personal growth,” she said. “While I am committed to building a championship-caliber program, I believe the lessons learned through sports — discipline, accountability, resilience, leadership and teamwork — prepare student-athletes for success far beyond the court. My goal is to help young women become confident leaders and high-character individuals who are equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.”
Away from the court, Dessner enjoys reading and hanging out with her dogs, Carmelo and Brunson.