By Christian Ulrich, Oct. 11, 2022
After leading the Broncos to wins over Cal State Monterrey Bay and San Francisco State, Samantha Campion earned California Collegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week from Sept. 5 through Sept. 11.
The Broncos took both games with a score of three sets to one. Posting her season high in kills, points and digs over this two-game stretch, Campion credited the team for her success.
“We did a good job blocking as a team. Communication with my teammates was very important as well. They trust me to take a lot of the court and that I am going to be in the right spots. They have confidence that I am going to move around and cover as much court as I can,” said Campion.
Leaving College of Charleston in South Carolina and joining the Broncos last spring, Campion put in consistent effort to become acclimated with her new teammates.
Head coach Traci Dahl of the women’s volleyball team applauded the quick initiative from Campion to become close to the team.
“She stepped onto this team as a new player, and the team voted her in as a captain. The whole spring, she came to watch tournaments, she came to games here on campus and attended team lunches. She did a lot on her own to be more involved before she even joined the team this season,” said Dahl.
Dahl added that this award is the first of many to come for Campion, and that she is proud that the CCAA is recognizing Campion’s efforts on the court.
Dahl credits Campion’s work ethic and dedication as the reason for her success so early on in her collegiate career.
“If I was an employer, I’d hire Sammy. She’s got time management skills, she’s disciplined and a hard worker. She’s new on the court, but she is making her name known very quickly,” said Dahl.
Campion’s work ethic and drive formed during her childhood. Growing up in Minnesota, Campion’s life revolved around sports.
“Both of my parents are athletes. My mom played volleyball in high school, and my dad played Division III hockey in college.
Campion mentioned that volleyball was not her first choice.
“I played basketball until eighth grade. That’s what I wanted to pursue in college. At 12 years old, we moved to Colorado, and from there I became exposed to volleyball,” said Campion.
Campion began playing volleyball for a small Christian club. There, Campion gained the confidence needed to step closer to her career aspirations. After just two weeks, Campion’s coaches bumped her up to play in the 15-year-old group.
This sudden jump proved to Campion that she had chosen the right sport and that this path would be her best career decision.
Campion’s junior year at Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colorado came with adversity.
“During my junior year of high school, I got a stress fracture in my navicular bone in my left foot, and I needed surgery. I spent about two and a half years in a cast and boot, and I didn’t play for my junior and senior year. It was hard because I put my identity and pride into my sport and who I was, and it was difficult to have it taken away. It was a big mental hurdle for me,” said Campion.
Campion added that making the jump to the collegiate level has not been without challenges.
In joining the Broncos, Campion mentioned that she immediately noticed the uptick in speed.
“There are a lot of big players on the block. The speed of offense has been noticeable, and the travel schedule every weekend is something I had to adjust to. Also, scouting and practices are different in the sense that they are targeted towards the teams you are facing. You don’t really get a break, so self-care and recovery is really important during the long season,” said Campion.
Campion stressed the importance of mental health as a student-athlete.
For Campion, the key to a good mental state is time management. She tries to wake up as early as possible to have time for a quick meal before her long days of attending classes and practice.
She also mentioned that putting time into hobbies like reading and watching movies plays a vital part in mental recovery.
Campion, a communications student, is hopeful for the future and is open to whatever comes her way.
“I’m still figuring out what I want to do after I graduate. I’m very into journalism and sports broadcasting, so these next few years are really important for me figuring what my calling is after college. I don’t know just yet, but hopefully I will in the next few years,” said Campion.
Campion and the Broncos next face off against Stanilaus State on Oct. 14 on the road.
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics
