Samantha Brunelle

About Samantha Brunelle

Hailing from Ruckersville, Virginia, Samantha Brunelle, often called Sam, has carved out a notable presence in professional basketball. Her journey began at William Monroe High School, where her talent shone brightly. Brunelle earned distinction as a two-time Naismith High School All-American and was bestowed the honor of Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year in 2018. During her high school tenure, she etched her name in the record books, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,229 points and amassing 1,272 rebounds.

Her collegiate path led her to Notre Dame, where she played from 2019 to 2022, before transferring to the University of Virginia (UVA) for the 2022-2024 seasons. At Notre Dame, she consistently contributed, averaging 10.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game over her three years. Her performance placed her on esteemed watch lists, including the Katrina McClain Award Watch List for outstanding power forwards. Continuing her success at UVA, Brunelle appeared in 30 games during the 2023-24 season, averaging 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of roughly 36%. Her scoring prowess was particularly evident when she achieved a career-high of 24 points against Clemson on February 4.

Brunelle has also donned the red, white, and blue, representing USA Basketball at various youth levels. She boasts three gold medals with USA Basketball and has competed in international events such as the FIBA U17 World Cup and the Youth Olympic Games. Her international accolades include gold medals in the 3x3 title at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina and the FIBA U17 World Cup in Belarus.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Brunelle has been recognized for her academic dedication. She was named to the All-ACC Academic Team and received accolades such as the Coach’s Award at UVA’s Hoos Choice Awards. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education while continuing her basketball aspirations. Samantha Brunelle stands out not only for her basketball skills but also for her leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to her education.