University of Richmond Athletics
Former All-American Stephy Samaras Named Women's Lacrosse Coach
07/22/2009 | Women's Lacrosse
July 22, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond announced the hiring of former All-American Stephy Samaras as women's lacrosse coach.
Samaras, a two-time All-American at the University of Virginia, served as Quinnipiac's first full-time women's lacrosse coach from 2002-05, leading the Bobcats to a pair of Northeast Conference semifinal appearances in her three seasons at the helm.
She led the Bobcats to their best Northeast Conference record (6-2) in program history in 2005. Samaras was an assistant coach at Yale from 2000-02, helping the Bulldogs to a Top-20 National Ranking in 2002.
The Annapolis, Md. native was the coach of the Wales National Team from 2005-2008, guiding the team to a European Championship in 2008.
"My excitement is through the roof," Samaras said. "I wanted to get back into college coaching and made the decision to apply for the University of Richmond coaching job because it was the perfect fit, with its reputation for both academic and athletic excellence. I look forward to the 2010 season."
Samaras was a four-year starter on defense at UVa from 1997-00, helping the Cavaliers to two National Championship game appearances (1998, 1999) and the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2000. She was an IWLCA Division I First-Team All-American in 1999 and 2000, along with being named a US Lacrosse Division I First-Team All-American and was selected to the Inside Lacrosse Dream Team as a senior.
Samaras, who finished her career as Virginia's all-time leader in caused turnovers, played two seasons for the US National Developmental Team.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Samaras to the University of Richmond," Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator LaRee Sugg said. "Her playing experience on the collegiate and National Team level as well as her diverse experience and enthusiasm for lacrosse will bring a fresh outlook to the program."
In addition to her college coaching experience, Samaras has worked for Synapse Sports, Inc. as the Director of Program Services and as a coach and consultant for Bounce Entertainment.
