Samantha “Sam” Wopat (Stanford Volleyball Player) Dead Age 19

Blogged By: De De Tillman

Source & Story Credit: SF Gate – Tom Fitzgerald

Photo Credit: Google – onenewspage.com

Posted: Wednesday March 28, 2012 @ 6:42 p.m PST

Samantha Wopat, 19, died at Stanford Hospital on Sunday, eight days after being taken there after what the school called a medical emergency at her campus residence. She remained in the intensive-care unit until her death, when she was surrounded by family, friends and teammates.

The cause of her death was not disclosed.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat,” athletic director Bob Bowlsby said. “She was an integral member of the Stanford athletics family and a tremendous student and athlete.”

Stanford and the volleyball program “have lost a wonderful young woman,” he said.

Ms. Wopat, considered one of the nation’s top players at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta (Santa Barbara County), joined the Stanford team in 2010, along with her twin, Carly. An outside hitter, she did not play much as a freshman and sophomore.

She played on the 2010 U.S. junior national team, a year after playing on the youth national team that competed at the world championships in Thailand. She had been a member of three junior Olympic teams.

Besides her sister, she is survived by her parents, Ron and Kathy Wopat of Santa Barbara, and younger brothers Jackson and Eli.

RIP Sam