A Bearcat from Birth

Sam Rodgers learned to walk in Fifth Third Arena.

Fast forward eighteen years and Sam can be found playing basketball on the Fifth Third Arena court. A shooting guard on the University of Cincinnati Women’s Basketball team, being a Bearcat seemed predestined for the Cincinnati native.

Samantha RodgersI was a Bearcat from birth,” Sam smiled. “I grew up on this campus. I really couldn’t see myself anywhere else.”

An athlete since age four, Sam decided in high school that basketball was her sport. As she made her mark on the high school courts, UC’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jamelle Elliott took notice.

“Since the day I started recruiting Sam, she showed a level of maturity beyond her years,” Jamelle says. “It was quickly apparent that not only could she handle the high-level demands of being an athlete here at UC, she also has been able to excel at a high level in the classroom.”

Having an athletic scholarship provides Sam the opportunity to focus on her work and sport.

“The fact that I don’t have student loans coming out of college is a huge factor,” she says. “Knowing that I’m financially set for four years and can do what I need to do, I’m so grateful for that.”

Her love of the Bearcats comes from father Denny, who graduated from UC in 1981. “My dad was so happy during my first game, he couldn’t see straight,” Sam says.

Samantha Rodgers“In my eight years of coaching at Cincinnati I haven’t recruited a player that had so much passion, knowledge and genuine love for UC,” Jamelle says. “Although her dad Denny would give her some stiff competition, I truly believe Sam was born to be a Bearcat. She represents the university, our athletic department and the women’s basketball program in a way that we are all proud of.”

Samantha RodgersThe transition from high school to college was not without its challenges for Sam. A Food and Nutrition major, she had to learn to balance classes, practices and all the new experiences of a first-year student. Fortunately, the coaching staff provided guidance, emphasizing that school always comes first.

“They want us to be productive as people, as women, not just as basketball players,” Sam says. “They see us as more than that.”

Reflecting on her first year at UC makes Sam smile. She had a winning season, declared her major, traveled, made friends and met UC President Neville Pinto.

“I walked out of my chemistry exam, you know, how like Rocky walks out?” she said. “With my arms over my head, I was so excited. It was an experience. A year I’ll never forget.”


Learn more about the campaign to renovate UC’s Fifth Third Arena at ourhouse2018.com

 

 

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