YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College has announced the hiring of veteran athletic trainer Caleb Strother as the new Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer, Director of Athletics Aaron Bessey announced today. He will assume the position previously held by Jared Sandler, who is transitioning to a new role with Union County High School. Sandler will remain on YHC's staff as Insurance Coordinator. 

"Firstly, I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Jared Sandler for all he has done for the YHC campus and greater community over the past 10+ years. He has positively impacted so many Mountain Lion student-athletes during his time leading our athletic training area and we're thrilled that he's going to still be a part of our administrative team in more of a part-time role," stated Bessey. "With that said, I'm really excited to welcome Caleb as the newest member of our Mountain Lion family. Throughout the hiring process, it was clear that his work ethic and level of care for the student-athletes is second to none. He will not only do a great job leading our athletic training area, but he will also be an integral part of continuing to build our department's culture of excellence as a whole." 

Strother joins the Mountain Lions after an impressive 11-year tenure at Mars Hill University, where he served as Associate Athletic Trainer. During his time at Mars Hill, Strother worked with a wide range of programs including men's lacrosse, men's basketball, women's soccer, baseball, cheer, dance, and the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. He also served as the university's Drug Education and Screening Coordinator and was the site coordinator for NCAA drug testing. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Young Harris College athletic department as the Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer," said Strother. "I want to thank President John Wells and Athletic Director Aaron Bessey for the opportunity to take the next step in my professional development at Young Harris. I look forward to working alongside Young Harris coaches to build a culture of excellence. Helping student-athletes succeed both in athletics and in life is something I'm very passionate about, and I know Young Harris is the perfect place to make an impact. I can't wait to get started!" 

Strother brings a decorated résumé to the Enchanted Valley. He was part of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Athletic Training Staff of the Year in 2015-16, received the NATA Above and Beyond Award in 2016, and was honored with the SAC David Riggins Service Award in 2021. 

A native of Wilson, North Carolina, Strother began his career as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke from 2012 to 2014, where he worked with football, spirit squads, and baseball. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training/Fitness Management from Barton College (2012) and a Master of Arts in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise/Sports Administration from UNC Pembroke (2014). 

Strother is certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) and holds an American Red Cross BLS certification. He is also a longtime member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and has participated in numerous professional development events, including national, district, and state meetings. 

Caleb Strother will officially begin his role at Young Harris College on August 1, 2025.