Samantha (Weber) Vaio
B.A. ‘09
Volleyball
2006-2007
 
Career Highlights
Honorable Mention NCAA All-American (2006)
NCAA All-South Central Region (2006)
Heartland All-Conference First Team (2006, 2007)
StMU Single-Match Four-Set Kills Record (30)
StMU Single-Match Five-Set Aces Record (7)
 
Career Statistics
3.91 Kills/Set (2nd)
.309 Hitting Percentage (School Record)
0.392 Aces/Set (2nd)
68 Solo Blocks (5th)
190 Block Assists (12th)
258 Total Blocks (11th)
1.11 Blocks/Set (3rd)
5.01 Points/Set (School Record)
 
Bio
Going through serious medical issues, Samantha (Weber) Vaio left New Mexico after the conclusion of the 2005 season and seriously contemplated quitting volleyball. Her (now) father-in-law convinced her to speak with St. Mary’s coach Todd Caughlin. The athletic training staff worked with her upon her arrival in January, connected her with a cardiologist, and she played one spring tournament with a heart monitor, helping the doctors figure out the underlying cause. She had heart surgery in April, but was limited to a certain heart rate until the end of June. Vaio refound her love for volleyball and exploded to earn Heartland All-Conference First-Team honors as both a junior and senior, hitting a school-record .309 with 5.01 points per set, also a StMU record. She became the first player in the school’s NCAA era to earn All-American honors, getting named to the honorable mention team in 2006 after earning South Central All-Region First-Team.
 
Currently:
Upon graduation, Vaio taught volleyball and math for nine years before she and husband, David Vaio, decided to transition her to a stay-at-home mom. They now have three children and made the move to Houston in July after living in San Antonio since graduation. Vaio still tutors on the side and recently began coaching volleyball with her oldest daughter’s team.
 
Quote:
“St. Mary’s University will forever hold a special place in my heart. It restored my love for volleyball, quite possibly saved my life through a life-changing heart surgery, and deepened my faith in the Catholic Church. This community gave me more than I ever expected—it gave me lifelong friendships, a family, and a home. Having both my husband and me as proud alumni makes it all the more meaningful. I am truly thankful to be part of the Rattler family.”