Stephy Samaras Appointed as Director of Girls Lacrosse
Renowned Hall of Fame player and experienced coach, Stephy Samaras has recently been appointed the Director of Girls Lacrosse at The St. James. As a distinguished two-time All-American and Hall of Fame inductee, Samaras brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will significantly enhance the girls lacrosse program.
Extensive Coaching Experience
Samaras's coaching career spans various levels, including prestigious college programs and international competitions. She has made substantial contributions as an assistant coach at Yale, where she worked closely with athletes to improve their skills. Furthermore, she was the first full-time head coach at Quinnipiac, later leading the women’s lacrosse program at the University of Richmond. Her impressive credentials include serving as the head coach for both the Wales and Greek national teams, during which she led Wales to a European Championship victory in 2008.
Outstanding Collegiate Career
A Chesapeake Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee, Samaras was a dynamic four-year starter on defense at the University of Virginia. During her time with the Cavaliers, she played a pivotal role in bringing the team to two national championship games in 1998 and 1999. Her remarkable performances earned her First-Team All-American honors in both 1999 and 2000, and she set a program record for caused turnovers by the end of her collegiate career.
A Vision for The St. James
“Stephy Samaras is an incredible addition to our leadership team at The St. James,” expressed Elyse Graziano, the Chief Sports Officer. “Her extensive experience as both a player and a coach spurs unmatched expertise, which is vital in guiding families through the youth sports development and college recruitment processes.”
Comprehensive Program Offerings
In her new role, Samaras is set to lead a robust lacrosse program that emphasizes thorough player development at all levels. Key features of the program include:
- Expert coaching and training for all player positions, supplemented by both team and individual instruction.
- Strength, conditioning, and agility training aimed at improving players' performance.
- Specialized camps and programs for year-round play and development.
- A state-of-the-art facility boasting an indoor turf field, locker rooms, and seating areas for spectators.
- Comprehensive recovery facilities, including a spa, cryotherapy options, cold plunge therapy, and compression treatment.
- Tailored nutrition guidance, featuring personalized meal plans and supplementation support from Vim & Victor.
Samaras joins a talented group of directors, each leading their respective sports disciplines, including Spencer Ford for boys lacrosse, Tamika Dudley for basketball, and Darryl Overton for football among others. Together, they aim to create an elite athletic development framework that equips athletes with the resources and opportunities required to excel in the sport.
Stephy’s Commitment to Excellence
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Samaras stated, “I’m honored to join The St. James and contribute to something special. With the right elements in place to cultivate elite athletes, I’m thrilled to be part of a team devoted to excellence. I'm eager to collaborate with players who are enthusiastic about the game and ready to elevate their skills.”
Join The St. James Community
The St. James is now accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. Upcoming events include an Open House and Evaluation Day scheduled for Saturday, which encourages prospective students to explore the school's offerings:
- Open House & Evaluation Day: This event invites families to experience The St. James lifestyle.
- Interested individuals can sign up via the Evaluation Form.
- Shadow days for potential students can be arranged upon request.
- Applications for the 2025-2026 school year must be submitted by the end of March.
About The St. James
The St. James provides elite athletes with year-round training, professional coaching, and competition across various sports disciplines. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, athletes benefit from an environment specially designed for high-level development. The focus is on skill development, conditioning, and competitive readiness, ensuring preparation for collegiate athletics and professional careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role will Stephy Samaras play at The St. James?
Stephy Samaras has been appointed as the Director of Girls Lacrosse, overseeing all aspects of the program.
What experience does Stephy Samaras bring to The St. James?
Samaras brings extensive coaching experience, including roles at various universities and national teams, as well as her accolades as a player.
What is the focus of the lacrosse program at The St. James?
The program concentrates on player development, offering training, strength and conditioning, and recovery services.
When is the Open House and Evaluation Day taking place?
The Open House and Evaluation Day is scheduled for Saturday, providing families an opportunity to explore The St. James.
How can interested students apply to The St. James?
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open and must be submitted by the end of March.
