Rothesay Standout Samantha Stoddart Set to Strengthen Seawolves Lineup

The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves women’s volleyball program is proud to announce the commitment of Samantha Stoddart, an athletic and driven defensive specialist who brings strong local roots, high-level experience, and a competitive mindset to the Seawolves roster for the upcoming Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association season. A product of Rothesay, New Brunswick and a graduating student of Rothesay High School, Stoddart represents the continued growth of homegrown talent in the region and adds both skill and character to the program.

Stoddart’s athletic background is both unique and impactful. Before focusing on volleyball, she spent 11 years as a competitive gymnast, developing elite balance, coordination, and mental toughness that now translate directly into her defensive presence on the court. She discovered volleyball in Grade 9 with the Timberwolves Volleyball Club and quickly found a passion for the game, choosing to commit to volleyball in Grade 10 fully. Her progression accelerated in 2024 when she was selected to represent New Brunswick at the 17U Canada Cup as an underage libero. Embracing a new position, she adapted quickly and emerged from the experience with confidence and a strong command of the defensive role.

That momentum carried into club season, where Stoddart helped lead the Timberwolves to Tier 1 provincial gold, a historic milestone for the program. Her consistency and team-first approach earned her a Coaches' Choice Award, recognizing her work ethic and impact throughout the season. She continues to compete at both the high school and club levels as a libero and left side while maintaining high honours since Grade 9 and holding approximately a 4.0 GPA, reflecting the discipline she brings to both academics and athletics.

“Samantha is someone we’ve been aware of for several years,” said Stephanie Guimond. “Her success at the provincial level confirmed she is a player to watch. Her coaches consistently speak about her work ethic, coachability, and positive influence on her teammates. She reads cues extremely well and competes with confidence. With two of our liberos graduating, she also fills an important positional need for us.”

For Stoddart, volleyball has been a source of growth both on and off the court, pushing her outside her comfort zone and teaching her the value of teamwork and resilience. She also gives back to the sport as an assistant coach with the Timberwolves Volleyball Club, working with younger athletes through youth programs and camps, and is part of her school’s sports leadership team, where she has supported unified basketball initiatives.

Choosing UNB Saint John felt like a natural next step. Having grown up watching Seawolves volleyball, joining the program represents a full-circle moment. The close-to-home environment, academic offerings, and strong team culture all played a role in her decision.

She plans to study Science or Health Sciences with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field while continuing to grow as a positive, vocal teammate at the university level.