Welcome to the Forty Acres, Mo. With the unmistakable Hook ’em Horns spirit pulsing through Austin, Mohamad Saatara’s arrival at the University of Texas marks more than just a coaching hire—it’s the fusion of elite experience, proven success, and a visionary approach to the throws. Saatara’s resume doesn’t just speak for itself—it commands attention across the collegiate, national, and international athletics landscapes. In an era where results are everything and development defines legacy, few can match the consistent excellence and athlete-first ethos that Saatara brings with him.
To understand the significance of this addition to Texas Track & Field, you first have to appreciate the magnitude of what Mohamad Saatara has already accomplished. In 2024, he coached the Olympic Champion in the women’s hammer throw, a feat that in itself would set any coach apart from the field. Guiding an athlete to Olympic gold is the pinnacle of coaching—it requires a keen understanding of biomechanics, training cycles, mental fortitude, and competition strategy. But more than anything, it reflects trust between coach and athlete, honed over years of precise development. Olympic titles aren’t stumbled upon; they are engineered through discipline, vision, and relentless belief. Saatara helped mold that journey to the top of the podium.
Yet, the Olympic triumph is only a single facet of his impressive body of work. With 31 All-Americans to his name, Saatara has built a reputation as a master of technical coaching and long-term athlete development at the collegiate level. These All-Americans represent not only elite NCAA finishes but the depth of a coaching system that nurtures consistency and growth across different events and seasons. Every one of those accolades is backed by countless hours of weight room reps, video analysis, technical refinement, and, perhaps most importantly, personalized care and coaching. Throwers under Saatara don’t just get better—they evolve.
National titles are another marker of his impact. With four national championships under his guidance, Saatara has demonstrated an ability to peak athletes at exactly the right time, a skill that separates good coaches from the truly great. Whether in indoor or outdoor championships, his athletes arrive prepared to perform at their highest level when the stakes are the greatest. National titles reflect not just preparation but an athlete’s ability to compete under pressure, a skill that is just as much coached as it is innate.
Internationally, Saatara’s coaching prowess has been felt on the world’s grandest stages. With four World Championship medals, he’s helped athletes stand atop podiums while competing against the very best in the world. These medals don’t just signify success; they are statements of belonging. They confirm that the training methodologies, psychological readiness, and physical conditioning instilled by Saatara are not only world-class—they’re world-beating. Each of those medals represents a journey that began in the daily grind: early mornings, detailed technical sessions, and a culture that demands excellence.
What may be even more impressive is his influence on the all-time record books. Coaching two NCAA all-time record holders is a rare feat, signaling not just momentary success but historic dominance. Records don’t lie. They stand as concrete proof of a coach’s ability to innovate, push boundaries, and extract the best from his athletes. Under Saatara, these athletes didn’t just win—they redefined what was possible in collegiate throwing events. They didn’t just reach the top of the podium; they changed the standard forever.
Adding to the depth of his legacy is the most elite title of all: world champion. Saatara has coached a world champion, a testament to his ability to guide athletes through the rigors of international competition, adjust to the pressures of the global spotlight, and prepare mentally and physically for the highest level of competition. Becoming a world champion is an achievement that requires more than talent—it takes a relentless drive, a coach who knows when to push and when to pull back, and a belief in a system that doesn’t flinch under the weight of expectation.
And then, perhaps the crown jewel: the current men’s discus world record holder trains under Mohamad Saatara. This achievement places him at the absolute apex of his field. It is rare, almost mythical, for a coach to be connected to a world record—the ultimate demonstration of human performance. This record is not an accident; it is the result of technical mastery, years of progressive overload, intelligent periodization, and trust between coach and athlete. It also signals that Saatara’s methods are not just effective but revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of what we thought humanly possible in the throwing events.
All of these achievements represent more than a glittering resume. They tell the story of a coach who doesn’t just understand the sport but elevates it. He is known for building athletes who are not just physically powerful but mentally unshakeable, technically refined, and emotionally resilient. The hallmark of a Saatara athlete is not just strength—it is poise, presence, and purpose.
Coming to Texas, he joins a program already rich with tradition and hungry for continued national dominance. The Forty Acres has always stood for excellence, both in academics and athletics, and Saatara is the embodiment of that dual pursuit. His arrival signals to the NCAA and the world that Texas is all-in on building a throwing program as elite as any in the country—or beyond. The combination of Texas’ resources, talent pipeline, and support structure with Saatara’s coaching pedigree sets the stage for a new era.
But it’s not just about winning—it’s about building. Saatara is known for fostering environments where athletes thrive as people, not just performers. His coaching philosophy prioritizes growth, discipline, and character. His athletes speak not just of their success, but of how they were challenged, supported, and transformed under his guidance. This approach fits perfectly with the culture at Texas, where the goal isn’t just to produce champions, but to prepare leaders for life beyond the field.
There’s also a ripple effect that comes with someone of his stature. Recruits pay attention. Young throwers looking to reach the next level want to be where greatness resides, and with Saatara in Austin, Texas becomes a magnet for the best high school talent in the country—and possibly the world. The recruiting edge that his presence provides cannot be overstated. Parents and athletes alike want to be part of a system that has produced Olympians, world champions, and record breakers. With Saatara, that system is now housed in Burnt Orange.
What’s more, his influence will likely stretch beyond the throws. As part of a comprehensive coaching staff, Saatara brings insights into periodization, biomechanics, mental training, and performance science that can elevate the entire program. His attention to detail and collaborative spirit make him not only a specialist in his field but a resource for coaches and athletes across the board. When one part of the program levels up, the rest follow suit—and Saatara raises the bar for everyone.
In welcoming Mo to the Forty Acres, Texas Track & Field isn’t just adding a coach—it’s adding a force multiplier. A man whose track record is not just exceptional but historic. A mentor whose athletes become champions and whose champions make history. A thinker who sees possibilities where others see limits. A leader whose presence demands excellence, not through pressure, but through belief in the process and the people.
The vision is clear. The talent is here. And now, with Mohamad Saatara leading the charge in the throws, the future of Texas Track & Field is poised to launch into a new stratosphere. The Longhorns don’t just want to win—they want to redefine what dominance looks like. With Saatara in burnt orange, that future is not just imagined. It’s inevitable.
So yes, welcome to the Forty Acres, Mo. The Tower lights await. Let’s make history.
