Student Visits U.S. Coast Guard Academy For Lacrosse Recruiting

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY —A Westhampton Beach junior who hopes to attend a military service academy after graduation took the first steps toward her future as she headed to the United States Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut recently for a lacrosse recruiting trip.

Samantha Schaumloffel, daughter of Westhampton Beach head football coach Bryan Schaumloffel, was able to meet up with another WHB alumni, Emily Arpino, who arranged for Sami to shadow her the entire day, her dad said.

From the very first, his daughter knew what shape her future path of service would take, he said.

"When Samantha was in elementary school, we would take a family trip to West Point to attend an Army football game. I think as a young kid, Samantha really liked the experience," Schaumloffel said. "It is an impressive place for a person of any age but I think especially for a young student. Before the game the Army Cadets parachuted from a helicopter to deliver the game ball at mid field. I remember her saying that is what she wants to do."

When Samantha got into high school, Schaumloffel said, she learned about other service academies including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

"We have had the opportunity to visit both and they are both impressive places," he said.

His daughter, Schaumloffel said, plans on attending week-long summer seminars at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy this year.

"Each program is a week-long experience that puts them through a daily schedule of what it would be like to attend the academy," Schaumloffel said.

While she is still undecided, Schaumloffel said he believes Samantha would like to play lacrosse at Coast Guard or the Merchant Marine Academy or do major cheerleading at either Air Force or Army.

"We are learning it is an intense process, including the Congressional nomination and the application process — but she is a very motivated and dedicated student," he said.

Describing the USCG recruiting process, which she is just commencing, Samantha said the recent lacrosse recruiting trip was a really great way for her to experience the academic and athletic environment.

"I was able to see the facilities and meet with current lacrosse players to learn more about the program," she said. "The most rewarding part of the trip was being able to see the everyday life of a cadet."

Aprino, her cheer captain freshman year at Westhampton Beach High School, showed her around the buildings and took her to classes and to lunch, she said.

"This was the most rewarding part of the trip because I got to see how the cadets behave at the academy and challenges that come with it," Samantha said. "I truly experienced the realness of the academy that I would not be able to get through a virtual and generic tour."

Looking ahead, Samantha said she plans to study mechanical engineering at the academy.

While she does not yet have an exact answer for what she hopes to do after the academy, Samantha said: "I do know I want to challenge myself in a way where I incorporate my love of helping people and science. As well, I see myself in an adventurous field. One of the great parts of attending the academies is that even though you have to commit your future to the military, there is a great variety of opportunities within the field."

Lessons learned on the field are invaluable, Samantha said.

"I have been playing lacrosse since I was five years old and started playing travel when I was nine. Lacrosse has always been an important role in my life. I learned determination, grit, communication, and leadership. The sport really taught me to work with my teammates and to be a team player to accomplish a group goal," she said. "It has taught me how to balance my life because I had to learn to manage school work, social life, and other sports."