University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Fisher Adds Two to 2025 Roster
11/13/2024 1:27:00 PM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – Head coach Dan Fisher and the Pitt Volleyball program are pleased to announce the signing of Samara Coleman and Abbey Emch to the 2025 recruiting class. The two enjoyed successful high school and club careers and will provide depth at the outside hitter and middle blocker positions.
"With the addition of Samara and Abbey we will continue to compete at the highest level both in the ACC and nationally. They're the type of people others want to be around. It is going to be a joy to show up to work with these two on the team."
Samara Coleman | Houston, Texas | Grand Oaks | 6'1 | Outside Hitter | Houston Skyline
Samara Coleman comes to Pitt after both a successful club and high school career. She was named TGCA (Texas Girls Coaches Association) 6A 1st Team All-State in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and notched Texas Sports Writers 2023 6A Player of the Year honors at Grand Oaks.
Coleman was a member of the AVCA Phenom watch list in both her 16's and 17's season (2022 and 2023) with Houston Skyline and named to the 2024 AVCA All-America watch list.
She is the daughter of Deonna and Samuel Coleman and one of three children. She plans to study media and professional communications at Pitt.
"I chose Pitt because I knew it was going to be a place where I was going to grow and thrive. I also chose Pitt because of the wonderful coaches and culture they've created."
Coach Fisher on Samara - "Samara has been playing at the highest level of club and USA volleyball from a young age. She is also a Texas State Champion. She has a great arm, a big jump, and her improvement in her serve receive in the last two years is impressive. Samara is a great fit for us on the court and within our team culture."
Abbey Emch | New Waterford, Ohio | Crestview | 6'4 | Middle Blocker | Infinity Volleyball Club
A native of New Waterford, Ohio, Abbey Emch signs with Pitt after a decorated high school campaign. Emch dominated at Crestview High School, being named the District Player of the Year and MVAC Player of the Year, notching 1st Team All Ohio, 1st Team All District, 1st Team MVAC and AVCA girls high school All-Region honors. She broke Crestview's career kill record at 1,266 and currently has 1,577 kills to her name. The Crestview Cougars went 102-6 with Emch on the team as she graduates with six school records.
Emch is the daughter of Gretchen and Don Emch and is one of four children. She is looking to pursue a degree in exercise science.
"I chose Pitt because it felt like home right away. Everyone was so welcoming, and the level of play was so high. I fell in love with the atmosphere and how loving both the girls and coaches are. The campus is beautiful, and I love how much support the city of Pittsburgh gives the volleyball team."
Coach Fisher on Abbey – "Abbey is someone that we couldn't be more excited to officially welcome to our team. We have known her for a long time, and she has grown up around our program. Abbey is someone we expect to flourish right away in our gym. She is a great blocker, has the ability to score, and has experience in all of the front row positions. We know she is going to be a big impact player on our program."
