This fall, Samantha Hill became the assistant coach for the Rowland Hall girls’ soccer team and has a great perspective on coaching. When I asked Samantha about her coaching style, she shared something that truly defines the Rowland Hall spirit: “My coaching style is a mix of development and fun to keep the players engaged in the task while enjoying their time on the pitch.” This is something that Rowland Hall tries to find when it comes to sports, someone who can balance the level of teaching and fun to keep the players/students engaged.

Samantha's Life before Rowland Hall

Samantha Hill was born in northern Virginia and stayed there for most of her life but moved away multiple times in her middle school and high school years. Soccer has been a part of her whole life, whether it's playing the sport or coaching. Before Samantha moved to Virginia, she was the assistant coach for both JV and varsity in Virginia.

Samantha has many goals for this season, some big, some small, but one that really stood out in our interview is “to be the best support for the head coach and players possible.” “I prefer the assistant coach role as I feel I can better coach individuals without having to always think of the overall picture,” said Samantha. In my opinion, support is one of the most important aspects a teacher or coach should have. Without support, hope disappears, and overall it will affect everything from students’ or athletes’ mindsets to their general work.

The Future

Samantha is very keen on the future and hopes to keep an impact on the players’ lives throughout their years beyond school. When I asked what inspires her, she simply responded with the future: “As a teacher and coach, I know that my actions will be remembered far after students graduate. I want to inspire students to do their best and always aspire higher.” 

Samantha's coaching is something Rowland Hall really looks forward to. As Samantha coaches with heart and hustle, the future stays strong, and so do the players' mindsets, especially with the new addition of Samantha Hill.