About Samantha

Born in Parker, Colorado, Samantha grew up as a competitive dancer, following in the footsteps of her older sister. She trained for 15 years in dance styles such as classical ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, and more. She was placed in acting by her mother due to her abundance of energy and overly-expressive nature as a child, and was stuck like glue. In 5th grade, she auditioned and was accepted to Denver School of the Arts as a theatre major where she would study for the next 7 years. She eventually graduated high school with an arts-endorsed honors diploma as Vice President of National Honor Society. She then journeyed out of her small town she had grown up in to expand her horizons in the big apple and pursue a higher education surrounded by as much diversity, culture, and variety as possible.

Samantha has always believed that being a multifaceted person with a variety of interests and vast knowledge is key to being a good artist— and a good human. She has always held a significant interest in political science, international affairs, psychology, and, in a bit of contrast, sports. She was often taken to games at Ball Arena (though she will always remember it as Pepsi Center) in Denver to watch the Colorado Avalanche with her dad, even when they were having a less-than-great season (2016-2017 was REALLY tough to watch). Samantha and her Father have bonded over watching their favorite teams play together, and she especially enjoys when the two of them get to engage in their Sunday football tradition of hot wings and watching the Raiders.

Samantha became inspired to combine her love of performing with her love of sports and venture into Sports Broadcasting in her junior year of college when she became involved with the award-winning NPR affiliate radio station at Fordham: WFUV Sports. She instantly rose to a leadership position at the station and served as the Creative Development Coordinator and Social Chair. In addition, she was a credentialed beat reporter for the New York Rangers and sideline reporter for Fordham Football and Basketball. In the 2021-2022 season, she covered the New Jersey Devils. She also was a main host on the “5 on 3,” and “All In: A Women’s Sports Podcast” podcasts in addition to New York’s longest-running sports call in show, “One on One.”

She currently works with the Bridgeport Islanders and PWHL New York as an in-arena host, and Is the primary source of fan-engagement and interaction at all home games. In just her first season, Samantha established a strong connection with both fanbases and was able to aid in creating content for the social team with the Islanders, hosting the “On the Road with Samantha” and “Bridgeport Breakdown” segments that were shown pregame in the arena and shared online with thousands of followers. She looks forward to establishing even stronger relationships with those in her community and growing her skills as a sports reporter and host at the same time.

Samantha believes that telling stories is what can connect every person, regardless of how different the upbringing, experience, or personality of each may be. She uses this love of storytelling to drive both her experiences in the world of theater, and in sports broadcasting– constantly striving to tell the truth with love and compassion no matter if it is a Chekov play or a hockey game. She strives to make her viewers feel something, regardless of if it is a play or a football broadcast. In her free time, she enjoys watching positively terrible reality television shows and browsing clothing online she cannot afford (yet). Samantha hopes to never stop learning, is constantly in search of a new adventure.