Rest In Peace Sam Wopat

APRIL 4th, UPDATE: Stanforddaily.com has released more information on Sam’s death. Click HERE to read the full report.

Volleyball groups who knew Sam have also released the following statements:

Director of Stanford Athletics, Bob Bowlsby, has released this University statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat. She was an integral member of the Stanford Athletics family and a tremendous student and athlete. On behalf of our administration, coaches and students I extend my condolences to Sam’s siblings, parents, relatives and friends. Stanford University and the Women’s Volleyball program have lost a wonderful young woman.”

The day after her death, USAV CEO Doug Beal released this statement:

“On behalf of all of us at USA Volleyball, we are terribly saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Samantha Wopat. Sam played on the 2009 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team at the FIVB World Championship and the 2010 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team at the NORCECA Continental Championship. Samantha was a bright and vibrant participant in the USA Volleyball Indoor High Performance Program with a seemingly unlimited and bright future. We cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss to the family, and we offer our thoughts and prayers to them and our most sincere condolences.”

From Sam’s high school volleyball club team has created a Memorial Fund for the late 19 year old who played on USA Volleyball’s Junior Olympic Team from 2006-2008:

The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our alumni members, Sam Wopat. The Club has created a fund in memory of Sam. All contributions to the fund will go directly to the Wopat family. Your kindness and support are appreciated. Contributions to the fund may be made payable to the “Sam Wopat Memorial Fund” and mailed to the Club address:

SBVC
PO Box 30772
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Attn: SWMF

Please continue to send positive thoughts and prayers to the Wopat family and to keep Sam in your loving memory.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Jake Hong, Director

MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION:

Date: April 18th, 2012
Where: Memorial Church in the center of the Stanford University Campus

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This is just shocking. She was only 19.

With Sam and Bovolenta’s deaths, it has been very sad in the Volleyball World.

Here’s part of the Official Statement released by Stanford University on its website:

March 26th, 2012

Samantha “Sam” Wopat died at Stanford Hospital on Sunday, March 25. She was a member of the women’s volleyball team and a former member of the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team.

Stanford University is mourning the passing of Samantha “Sam” Wopat, a sophomore student-athlete on the women’s volleyball team. Wopat, who was 19, died Sunday, March 25, at Stanford Hospital, surrounded by family, friends and teammates. Wopat was hospitalized on Saturday, March 17, after a medical emergency at her Stanford residence. She remained in the intensive care unit of Stanford Hospital until her death.

Wopat joined the Stanford women’s volleyball team in 2010, along with her twin sister, Carly, and excelled as an outside hitter. At Stanford, Wopat appeared in 25 sets as a sophomore and averaged 1.16 kills per set. As a freshman, she saw action in 11 sets and registered a .571 season hitting percentage. Prior to enrolling at Stanford, Wopat was a member of the 2010 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team. In 2009, she participated in Thailand as a member of the U.S. Youth National Team that competed at the World Championships. She was a member of Junior Olympic teams in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat,” said Bob Bowlsby, the Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics at Stanford. “She was an integral member of the Stanford Athletics family and a tremendous student and athlete. On behalf of our administration, coaches and students I extend my condolences to Sam’s siblings, parents, relatives and friends. Stanford University and the Women’s Volleyball program have lost a wonderful young woman.”

Wopat is survived by her parents, Ron and Kathy Wopat of Santa Barbara, Calif., her twin sister, Carly, who is also a member of the Stanford women’s volleyball team; and two younger brothers, Jackson and Eli.

Click HERE to Read The Full Press Release.

Our deepest condolences to Sam’s family, friends and to her fans. You will never be forgotten precious angel.

Rest In Peace Samantha.