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Ramapo High School extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Sandy Gordon, who has officially announced her retirement as head coach of the girls basketball program after 19 extraordinary seasons. Coach Gordon leaves behind a legacy defined by exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and an indelible impact on generations of student-athletes.
A 1984 Ramapo graduate who scored 1,066 points during her high school career, Coach Gordon spent nearly two decades as a Division I collegiate assistant and head coach before returning to her alma mater. Over her 19 seasons leading the Raiders, she compiled a remarkable record of 397-120, translating to an outstanding .768 winning percentage. Her coaching career at Ramapo is highlighted by back-to-back Bergen County Tournament championships in 2009 and 2010, as well as the program's first-ever sectional title in 2020, which earned the team a trip to the Group 3 state final. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including being named the NJ.com Coach of the Year in 2020 and receiving inductions into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association, Ramapo High School, and Manhattan College Halls of Fame. Throughout her tenure, she also guided all top five scorers on the program's all-time list, including Sarah Halejian, 2026 graduate Camden Epstein, Madison Schiller, Karlie Brogan, and Emily Calabrese. Beyond basketball, Coach Gordon supported the broader athletic department by coaching girls soccer and helping establish the school's girls golf program in 2017.
While her record on the court is storied, Coach Gordon’s true priority was always centered on the relationships she built and the life lessons she shared with her players. She stepped down to focus on her family following her mother's recent lung cancer diagnosis, prioritizing the time needed to support her during her treatments in Florida. Although she is hanging up her whistle, Coach Gordon will remain an integral part of our district community as a physical education teacher at the high school, where she will continue to mentor and encourage our students. The entire Ramapo Indian Hills district is profoundly grateful for Coach Gordon’s 19 years of head coaching service, her selfless leadership, and her enduring commitment to Raider athletics.