University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Feature: Stephanie Samedy
8/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Stephanie Samedy is entering her freshman year with the Golden Gophers. Samedy played for East Ridge High School and Top Select Volleyball Academy. Named a First Team Under Armour All-American, she has also played with the USA Youth National Team and USA Junior National Team. Samedy was a two-time Bright House Breakfast of Champions Girls Volleyball Athlete of the Year (Central Florida) and a Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-American. She was also a two-time Lake County Player of the Year. Samedy graduated suma cum laude from East Ridge High School and was on the honor roll all four years. Read more about her in this question/answer session.
Gophersports.com: When did you first start playing volleyball and how did you get involved in the sport?
Stephanie Samedy: I first started playing volleyball in eighth grade. It was just something I wanted to do in middle school. I tried out for the team and it just went from there. I have loved it ever since.
GS: Did you play any other sports when you were younger?
SS: I played soccer for six years and I tried basketball in middle school as well. I had to decide from there if I wanted to play basketball or volleyball. I chose volleyball and it worked out.
GS: Why did you decide to come to Minnesota?
SS: I was looking for a school that had a good balance when it came to school and volleyball and I felt like Minnesota was the place. The coaching staff, the whole environment, academics, it was a pretty easy choice.
GS: Have you been able to get acclimated to the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities?
SS: I'm still working on it. I haven't experienced December or snow, but so far it has been a pretty easy transition. Summer was pretty smooth. I moved in, got some classes done, and got some workouts in. So far it has been pretty easy, I'm just learning the ropes as I go.
GS: What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make since being at Minnesota?
SS: I would probably say managing my time. It is my first time being on my own and just doing things for myself, so I'm just finding time to make sure I get everything done.
GS: Minnesota is opening the season this weekend, what are you most looking forward to in terms of getting going this year?
SS: Just competing with a great group of girls, seeing what we can do, and seeing what is possible for us. Just getting a glimpse of what we could be in the future.
GS: You have been with the team for a couple months, what has been the best advice you've gotten from your teammates?
SS: Best advice would be to just to take it day by day. A lot of the seniors have a saying that it goes by in a blink of an eye, so I just want to appreciate every moment that I am here and take everything in.
