| Alma Mater: |
University of California, Berkeley |
| Graduating Year: |
2016 |
Former All-American and professional player Samantha Witteman is in her second season as graduate student manager for the Saint Louis women's soccer team.
“We are thrilled to have Sam on our staff,” head coach Katie Shields said. “She is a tremendous role model for our student-athletes, and her impressive playing background and journey to the highest level of the women’s game serve as an example for them.
“Our players benefit from Sam’s expertise as a recent professional as well as her experience as an outstanding collegiate student-athlete in the classroom, on the field, and in the community,” Shields said. “Her character and passion for developing relationships and fostering player development benefit our program tremendously in our hunt for Atlantic 10 Conference championships.”
“I am so excited for the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Billiken family,” Witteman said upon her appointment. “I am really looking forward to learning from Coach Shields and the entire staff here at SLU. I hope to use my playing experience, at the collegiate and professional levels, to bring new ideas and a unique perspective.
“I am thankful to be working with such a positive group,” Witteman said. “It is my goal to support and motivate players individually, as well as the entire team. I can't wait to compete for A-10 titles.”
The Redondo Beach, California, native enjoyed a successful career at the University of California, Berkeley. She played in 84 games and earned 56 starts for the Golden Bears, who made four NCAA Tournament appearances and posted a 54-23-16 record during her four seasons. Witteman served as team captain in her senior year.
Witteman’s collegiate career culminated with her selection to the United Soccer Coaches All-America third team and the Pac-12 All-Conference first team in her senior season. She tallied 14 goals and 16 assists at Cal, including a team-high eight assists in her junior campaign, while logging playing time at several different positions.
Witteman remained on the pitch after finishing her tenure in Berkeley. She was called to the U-23 Women’s National Team in 2016 and 2017 while also enjoying a professional career in the National Women's Soccer League, first with the Orlando Pride as the league’s 10th overall draft choice in 2016 before being traded to the North Carolina Courage in 2017. Witteman played with PSV in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, in 2018.
Witteman is a 2016 graduate of Cal, earning a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in education. She garnered Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention in her junior and senior years. Witteman is pursuing a master’s degree in student personnel administration at Saint Louis.
