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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Coach Sam Hammond

Samantha Hammond

Samantha Hammond rejoined the Nebraska Kearney volleyball coaching staff in the summer of 2022 and was promoted to head assistant coach in early 2023. 

The Taylor native and former Loper All-American spent 2022 as UNK's second assistant coach, helping the team go 28-6, reach a 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament and finish 15th in the final Top 25 poll. In 2023, the Lopers reached the NCAA Tournament second round, went 29-6 and were MIAA Tournament runners up for a second straight fall. In 2024, a 30-3 season featured another NCAA berth, an MIAA regular season title and four Coaches Hammond & SquiersAVCA All-Americans. 
 
She previously was head volleyball coach, Athletic Facility and Special Events Coordinator at the College of Saint Mary (2010-17), head volleyball coach at Lexington High School (2008-10 & 2017-22) and a UNK grad assistant coach (2007). Most recently, Hammond was Manager at The Rustic Patch in Kearney.

"In addition to an established and versatile coaching pedigree, her Loper ties make for a near seamless transition," said UNK Head coach Rick Squiers. "We caught a huge break in hiring Sam and we look forward to having her on board full-time."
 
Hammond guided the NAIA CSM Flames for seven seasons, winning 103 matches. That included a 20-9 mark in 2014 with the program moving into the tough Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) at the end of her tenure. At Lex, she won over 80 matches and coached current Loper DS Cordy Harbison.
 
She began her playing career at Texas Tech before transferring to UNK and being part of three Elite Eight teams (2003-05). The 2004 squad went 40-1 with the 2005 team finishing as National Runners Up. She was a three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) selection and a 2005 AVCA honorable mention All-American.