Chatham University Athletics

David Saur’s resume ranks among the best in the President's Athletic Conference since he took the helm of the Chatham Cougars in 2018. A former Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Coach of the Year, Saur also holds the title of the program's all-time wins leader.

In his first seven seasons, Saur has led his teams to unprecedented success, including three consecutive appearances in the conference championship game, capped by a 2024 Presidents’ Athletic Conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth. The past four years have been the most successful in program history, setting records for total wins and conference victories, highlighted by back-to-back 21+ win seasons (2023-2025). Before Coach Saur’s arrival, the Cougars had never posted a winning overall record or finished at or above .500 in conference play in their 40-year history.

Coach Saur’s teams have set new program records for both overall wins (24) and conference wins (18) in a season. Over the past two years, they’ve posted an impressive 45-10 record overall, including 35-5 in conference play. During this stretch, the Cougars have made a mark nationally, securing victories over three teams ranked in or receiving votes in the D3Hoops Top 25 poll.

Under Coach Saur, the Cougars have been a force on both ends of the court, among the leaders nationally and within the conference for both offense and defense. Saur’s teams have ranked in the top 10 nationally in three-pointers made per game (11.3) and scoring offense (78.7 ppg). They’ve also been among the top three teams in offensive efficiency and shot quality, according to Synergy Sports. Consistently, the program has ranked highly in assists per game (16.7) and steals per game (17.7). The most recent team led the conference in both offensive and defensive points per game, showcasing a balanced and dynamic style of play.

Before joining Chatham, Coach Saur spent seven years as an assistant coach at both the NCAA Division I and II levels. His coaching journey includes stints at Stetson University (A-SUN Conference), UMass Lowell (America East Conference), University of Louisiana Monroe (Sun Belt Conference), IUP (PSAC), and Cal U (PSAC). At each of these programs, Saur served as the recruiting coordinator, and in his final two seasons at Louisiana Monroe, he also held the title of Assistant Head Coach. Over the course of his career, he has recruited and coached nearly 18 all-conference selections, several conference Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honorees and helped five players advance to professional basketball careers. Coach Saur has been a part of multiple 20+ win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances across NCAA DI, DII, and DIII levels.

Coach Saur began his coaching career at Thiel College, a fellow member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, where he worked with both the men’s and women’s programs. During his three seasons with the Tomcats, Saur contributed to some of the best seasons in each program’s history, including an undefeated regular season and a 20-win campaign with the men’s team in 2010-2011.

Coach Saur currently serves as the Executive Director of Florida Girls’ Basketball (FGB), a national powerhouse in the Girl’s Under Armour Association (GUAA). Under his leadership, FGB has earned multiple top 10 finishes in the GUAA over the past four summers.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Saur has mentored over 25 Division I players, including one McDonald’s All-American and four WNBA draft picks:

•    Courtney Williams (South Florida, WNBA – Minnesota Lynx)
•    LaDazhia Williams (LSU, WNBA – Indiana Fever)
•    Delicia Washington (Florida, Pro – IDK Euskotren, Spain)
•    Taliah Scott (Auburn)
•    Jasmyne Roberts (Miami FL)
•    Kailyn Gilbert (LSU)
•    Lexi Blue (Kentucky)

Coach Saur’s impact on the game extends beyond the college ranks, shaping the next generation of elite talent.

The Saur File