Sam Wopat Stanford Student Athlete Dies

It is a sad day on campus at Stanford as Samantha Wopat a volleyball player passed away in the hospital after a medical condition she suffered in her apartment on March 17. She was pronounced dead on Sunday March 25 surrounded by friends and family.

Ms. 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.

The 2011 team finished tied for fourth in the Pac-12 with a 15-7 mark and was eliminated by Michigan in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Ms. Wopat appeared in 25 sets as a sophomore and averaged 1.16 kills per set.
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