Coach Nelson on Samantha Wunsch…Samantha wants to kill every ball she’s set and stuff every attack in her zone. It’s how she’s wired. She’s never satisfied with good enough and has a burning desire to excel. We love Sam’s ability to impact every phase of the game and expect her to provide leadership as one of Team 2’s captains. Sam’s competitiveness is contagious, and we can’t wait for fans to see it this season. 

Academic Honors
• 2024, ’25 CSC Academic All-District
• 2023, ’24 Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List

The Wunsch File
• Graduate transfer from Texas State
• 2024 AVCA All-Southwest Region
• 2023, ’24, ’25 All-SBC First Team
• 2023, ’24 SBC All-Tournament
• Four-time SBC Offensive Player of the Week
• 2023 Texas State Invitational MVP
• 2024 Outrigger Invitational all-tournament team
• 2025 UTSA Invitational all-tournament team
• In 2025, recorded 366 kills, 263 digs, 86 block and hit .205
• Led Texas State in kills 2024 (402) and 2025 (366)
• Ranked third on the team in digs and blocks in 2025

Personal 
• Uncle, Kelly, was drafted in the first round of the 1993 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers before playing for the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers

Why Vanderbilt?
“I chose Vanderbilt, because it gives me the chance to compete at the highest level in the SEC while earning a graduate degree backed by extraordinary academic resources and lifelong connections. I’m excited to help build this program and push Vanderbilt volleyball to achieve things that have never been done before. The coaches, staff and community are fully invested in our growth, and I can’t wait to be a part of this incredible program. Anchor Down!”

Samantha’s Essentials
Favorite Nashville food spot: The Loveless Cafe
Favorite spot on campus: Memorial Gymnasium
First song on aux: Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun