Samantha Hastings (Hartwell) enters her first coaching post at the Division I level this season on the Hilltop. A former player for USF head coach Gilad Doron at Villanova, Hastings earned three varsity letters with the Wildcats as a defensive specialist.

"I am excited to be back in the Bay Area and working with the volleyball community at USF," Hastings said. "I had a great time playing in college and I hope to share my knowledge with the team here and improve their experience. I look forward working with Gilad who made a positive impact on my playing career."

All-Academic Performer at Villanova
A team captain for the `Cats as a senior, Hastings was named a Big East Academic All-Star. After earning a B.S. in Biology from Villanova, the Bay Area native spent a year in England where she earned a MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Manchester, graduating the program with Merit.

Beginning the Coaching Journey
Hastings began her coaching career at the Philadelphia Volleyball Academy, coaching 16's under the direction of Doron, the club's founder.

Personal File
The former Samantha Hartwell married Terry Hastings in July of 2007. The couple resides in San Francisco.

Gilad Doron on Samantha Hastings
"Sam was a great leader as a player during her career at Villanova and I look forward to her bringing passion, leadership and volleyball knowledge to help this team achieve new heights."