CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Samantha Lampert, currently in her sixth season as an assistant coach with MIT’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams, was a recipient of the Rick Pierce Award which was presented by the Yankee Volleyball Association this past weekend. Named in his memory, the award is given annually to one man and one woman who exemplify the characteristics that made Pierce so special: great sportsmanship, a respected player, and a person who volunteers their time to the sport without need for compensation or recognition.

Prior to her arrival at MIT, Lampert served as the assistant coach for both the men's and women's programs at her alma mater, Endicott College, from 2001-04. She received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in sport management in 2001. Since graduation Lampert has worked at numerous summer volleyball camps including those held at the University of New Hampshire, Bentley College, Endicott College, the University of Connecticut, and Wheaton College

A native of Brentwood, N.H., Lampert attended Exeter High School and was taught volleyball by Roy Swanson. She currently plays both indoor and outdoor volleyball, coaches USA Volleyball (USAV) adult clubs in the New England area and is the executive secretary of the Yankee Volleyball Association.

Past award winners include Ken Duarte (former head coach at Bridgewater State College), Christy Kelsey (Williams College head coach), Candice Parent (Colby College head coach), and Tom Wilson (Wellesley College assistant coach, former men’s head coach at Harvard University).