Sam Hartwell enters her first coaching post at the Division I level this season at the University of San Francisco. A former player for new USF head coach Gilad Doron at Villanova, Hartwell earned three varsity letters with the Wildcats as a defensive specialist. A team captain as a senior, Hartwell was named a Big East Academic All-Star.

After earning a B.S. in Biology from Villanova, the Bay Area native spent a year in England where she earned a MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Manchester, graduating the program with Merit.

Hartwell began her coaching career at the Philadelphia Volleyball Academy, coaching 16's under the direction of Doron, the club's founder.

"I am excited to be back in the Bay Area and working with the volleyball community at USF," Hartwell said. "I had a great time playing in college and I hope to share my knowledge with the team here and improve their experience. I look forward working with Gilad who made a positive impact on my playing career."

"Sam was a great leader as a player during her career at Villanova and I look forward to her bringing passion, leadership and volleyball knowledge to help this team achieve new heights," Doron said.