Sam Steele joined the American University volleyball staff as an assistant coach in July of 2026. Steele came to AU following a decorated playing career as a defensive specialist at Ohio University and Northern Colorado, after which she began her coaching career with the River City Juniors in LaVista, Nebraska.
Over four seasons at Ohio, Steele was a Second Team All-MAC selection and three-time Academic All-MAC honoree. She led the team in digs and service aces in three of her four years, and helped the Bobcats to an NIVC appearance in 2022.
Steele had a stellar graduate season with Northern Colorado in 2024, totaling 517 digs and averaging 15.5 digs per match in the NIVC Tournament across four games. In addition to an All- Big Sky Second Team selection, she earned a spot on the CSC Academic All-District team as well.
The Omaha, Nebraska native returned to her home state after college to begin coaching with the River City Juniors, the longest-running club in Nebraska. Over the last year, Steele coached the club’s 15U team.
