Vanguard University

The Athlete: Samantha returns to the Lions for her second year, after two seasons competing at American River College?swam for Coach Bethani Black at ARC, where she was the team MVP and an All-American?was a teammate of current Lions teammate Ektaa Nijjar?graduated from Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, California, in 2008?competed for coach Tom Shanely at BVHS, and also played water polo?has been swimming all her life and has played three years of water polo?had a stellar first year for the Lions in the inaugural water polo season at Vanguard?will be a key to VU's 2012 season.

The Person: Samantha was born on June 26, 1990, to parents Henry and Stephanie?born in Davenport, Iowa?nickname is "Sam"?pursuing a degree in Business Marketing?likes to eat at "La Fiesta Taqueria"?watches "Ghost Hunters" on TV and likes the movie "The Shining"?prefers the color Pink and number 16?hobbies include sewing and fashion design?thinks dedication is the most important character trait to have?most respects her past and present coaches?has learned to finish what she starts in life?swimming has taught her to put into it what you want to get out of it?wants to work in design or fashion.

Her Thoughts: My favorite thing about VU is the Department of Business and Management, as well as the location and community vibe.