Alabama basketball lost more than its first lady this month when Annette Sanderson passed away because she provided steadiness and care to everyone associated with Alabama athletics, apart from her role as the coach’s wife.
Through her quiet dedication, she shaped the successful culture that Wimp Sanderson created during his career, which included five SEC Tournament wins and consistent NCAA Tournament participation.
A Pillar of Wimp Sanderson’s Alabama Basketball Legacy
Her broader impact went past watching games because she organized group functions for the team while mentoring student athletes, alongside being a key member of the Crimson Tide athletic family.
Thoughts and prayers to the Sanderson family with the loss of Annette Sanderson. pic.twitter.com/L9cLFmx1Qf
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) May 1, 2025
Many former players and staff members of Alabama sports programs joined together to show their gratitude for how significantly she impacted the Alabama community.
Alabama basketball and Annette Sanderson were woven together, and the tributes that followed her passing show that connection.
We’ve seen her from her high school romance with Wimp Sanderson in Florence to becoming a motherly figure to generations of Crimson Tide athletes, and always with the same traits: loyalty, grace, and quiet strength.
Her marriage to Wimp, lasting nearly 70 years, was as consistent as its representation of the Sanderson era in Tuscaloosa. As memories of Annette’s kindness and support flash back onto the screen, it is plain to see that, like her husband’s championships and milestones on the court, the former players and fans will forever remember her as well.
During her years at Alabama, Annette often stepped into the role of team confidante and host, organizing gatherings and offering a welcoming home environment for players far from family.
She was frequently seen cheering from the sidelines in support of Wimp’s signature “Plaid Palace” era, earning the affectionate nickname “Miss Annette” among fans and athletes alike.
“Annette was a sweet, kind, and loving person. In addition to being an incredible woman, she served as a mother to the Alabama basketball players that Wimp coached, always providing support and love to our student-athletes.”
Honoring a Life of Service and Support
Annette demonstrates total devotion while exceeding her responsibilities as a coach’s wife. After quitting real estate to spend time with her family and lead basketball activities, she devoted herself to many Tuscaloosa-based charitable activities without seeking recognition.
Propective players had the opportunity to connect with this family atmosphere at her house, which both supported postseason parties and athletic recruitment activities.
Wimp Sanderson built his legendary career as Alabama basketball coach through 267–119 wins, four SEC Tournament titles, and five Sweet Sixteen appearances with Annette’s continuous backing.
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The Sandersons finished their Alabama basketball careers in 1992, when Wimp resigned during a discrimination suit that obscured his departure. Yet his wife Annette maintains a revered position for supporting both their times at Alabama. Annette maintained team spirit despite any game outcomes or challenging circumstances.
Details of a memorial service will be shared soon, offering the Crimson Tide community a chance to honor “Miss Annette.” She’ll be remembered not just for her courtside cheers, but for the kindness and warmth she extended to every player who came through the program.
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