Mepham High School student honored as AVP ‘Athlete of the Week’

Wellington C. Mepham High School senior Samantha Green, of North Bellmore, was recognized by the American Association of Volleyball Professionals as its “Athlete of the Week.” Green is a member of the Pirates’ girls’ varsity volleyball team and an All-County player.

“I’m extremely humbled to be selected as the AVP America ‘Athlete of the Week’ and hear the amazing things my coaches and teammates have to say about me,” Green said. “I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to train with and compete for Stars and Stripes beach volleyball, and without their support I wouldn't be half the volleyball player that I am today.”

Green was nominated for the national honor by Stars and Stripes coach Greg Wood. The club is committed to developing top beach volleyball athletes with a year-round program housed in the Highline Arena in New Jersey, which features six indoor sand courts.

“Sam has been playing beach volleyball for the past five years and has over 15 AVPA wins to her name, including her first Women’s Open victory this past December,” Wood said. “Sam is the epitome of all that is great about the sport of beach volleyball, and her passion for the game is felt by her coaches, fellow teammates and competitors.”

Mepham’s girls’ varsity volleyball coach Tom Wildeman also expressed pride for his player. “Samantha is a role model on and off the court,” he said. “She plays with determination and is always striving to improve while making the other girls around her better players. She is committed to the game of volleyball and excels at every aspect of the sport.”

When she’s not dominating during games and matches, Green excels in the classroom, as well. She is a 2019 Scholar Athlete, a National Merit finalist and is ranked in the top three of her graduating class, according to Wood.

SAS Club Director Meghan Blair said, “Through her leadership, work ethic, positive attitude and winning spirit, Sam represents everything that we want our girls to become at Stars and Stripes. She is both a fierce competitor as well as a loyal teammate and friend to all her fellow SAS players.”

Although she had many offers to join hardwood volleyball teams at the collegiate level, Green has committed to play beach volleyball for Tulane University in New Orleans.

Green thanked the team at SAS for helping her get to this point. “I'm thankful that they took the chance on me and have supported all my beach volleyball endeavors and struggles getting to practices” in New Jersey, she said. “Through SAS I have really grown my passion for the beach volleyball game and can't wait to see where this path takes me at Tulane next year.”

Wildeman added, “I know Samantha will achieve anything she sets her mind to.”