Samantha Shomo ‘11 Returns to Western New England as Seventh Head Volleyball Coach in Program History

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 29, 2016) – Samantha Shomo '11, a co-captain during her time as a member of the Western New England University volleyball team, returns to her alma mater as the seventh head coach in program history. The announcement was made today by Dr. Mike Theulen, Director of Athletics at Western New England.

Shomo served as a co-captain for the Golden Bears during her senior season in 2010.

"We are extremely pleased to add Samantha Shomo to our talented coaching staff," Theulen said. "Already a member of our athletic family as a former Golden Bear volleyball standout, Sam returns to us as a seasoned coach who has an impressive resume of program building both on and off the court.

"The breadth and depth of her professional experiences, coupled with her intimate knowledge of the Western New England Way, make her a great fit for our women's volleyball program at this point in time. As proud as I am of Sam's accomplishments as a student-athlete leader here, I am equally as proud of her accomplishments as a talented young professional."

Shomo returns to Western New England following five seasons as head coach of the Anna Maria College volleyball program, a stint in which she helped the AMCATS establish team records for wins each year from 2013-15. Under Shomo's leadership, Anna Maria made its first ever postseason appearance in 2014, before posting a 17-16 record last fall for the first winning season in program history. She leaves as the program's all-time wins leader with 47 victories.

The Glen Gardner, N.J. native spent the past five years as head volleyball coach at Anna Maria College.

Shomo also served as Anna Maria's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) during her time in Paxton. In this role, she was responsible for monitoring the academic progress of student-athletes, advising the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and aiding in the organization and execution of SAAC-sponsored events, as well as assisting the athletic director in the daily operation of the department.

The Glen Gardner, N.J. native graduated summa cum laude from Western New England in 2011, earning her bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a minor in education. She went on to receive her master's degree in education from Anna Maria in 2015.

A four-year member of the Western New England volleyball team, Shomo served as a team co-captain during her senior season in 2010 and was named to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) All-Academic Team.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Coach Theulen and the rest of the Western New England administration for this opportunity," Shomo said. "I am thrilled and honored to return to my alma mater as the program's next head coach. Western New England volleyball has always had a special place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing its tradition of excellence."

Shomo takes over at Western New England following the departure of Bret Stothart, who resigned last month after five seasons at the helm of the program.

The Golden Bears open their 2016 schedule at home on Thursday, September 1 with a non-conference contest against Worcester Polytechnic Institute at 7 p.m. Western New England is set to host Anna Maria at the Alumni Healthful Living Center on Saturday, September 10.