As she steps onto the Olive Garden court, the pre-game nerves are long in the past. Her confidence, composure and positivity are recognized by both her teammates and coaches. Samantha Krystkowiak (11), a rightside/opposite for the girls varsity volleyball team, can proudly call herself the school’s female Athlete of the Month due to her athletic positivity, dedication and skill. 

“I was pretty shocked at first,” Krystkowiak said. “Overall, I’m so happy and proud to have been chosen out of all the other successful and skilled female athletes.” 

Despite her surprise, Krystkowiak’s coaches and teammates feel that her attitude and skill were well-deserving of this award.

“Samantha is just a steady contributor that we can always count on,” girls varsity volleyball head coach, Brennan Dean, said. “She has a steady head and she’s calm and composed. We can always feel confident while she’s out on the court.” 

A positive team culture is crucial to the success of a volleyball team, and Krystkowiak seems to always bring that to the court. Krystkowiak’s coaches and teammates shared how she impacts the team.

“She almost had a perfect match the other day at the Poway game,” Dean said. “That’s not something you always see.”

Krystkowiak’s teammate, Sophia Wu (10), girls varsity libero for the past two years, shares why she believes Krystkowiak earned the award.

“She really deserved this role because she has stepped up to her position this year as she’s one of our priority hitters,” Wu said. “Sam has improved so much over the past year and her passion and determination is consistently brought into every game.”

Krystkowiak continually exhibits passion as both a person and a player.

“Sam bonds our team together with her positive energy and smile on and off the court,” Wu said. “As a person, she is so sweet and genuine and it’s always nice talking to her, especially about the Crumbl cookies of the week.”

This positive attitude has not only been recognized by teammates like Wu, but from her coaches as well.

“Sam really motivates [the team],” Dean said. “She lifts them up when they’re frustrated.”

Dean has enjoyed seeing Krystkowiak grow on and off the court since she was in eighth grade. Seeing Krystkowiak’s personal and athletic growth alongside each other provides an incomparable relationship.

“My first impression was that she was quiet and shy, which is funny because she couldn’t be further from that now.” 

With such a relationship, anyone would be able to see Krystkowiak’s individual development — and naturally, a sense of pride would surface.

“I’m so proud of all her hard work,” Dean said. “She’s so much stronger and confident in her game, and it is awesome to see.”

Regarding her athletic side, Dean has noticed Krystkowiak’s strengths and qualities that set her apart from other athletes.

“Sam is determined and competitive,” Dean said. “She’s the type of athlete who can have fun — who can let go of losses and mistakes and stay balanced.”

On and off the court, Krystkowiak displays unique talent and attitude deserving of recognition.

“She can play multiple positions: outside hitter, opposite,” Dean said. “But she also has good setting hands. She’s just all-around skilled.” 

When she’s not on the court, Krystkowiak continues to contribute to her team. Her teammates and coaches express the warmth she brings to the team.

“She has a great smile and personality,” Dean said. “She’s always fun to be around.”

Krystkowiak has been playing competitive volleyball since she was ten years old. The sport has brought an influence on her life unmatched by anything else.

“My mom used to play so she decided to put Finley, my sister, and I into camps and practices to get us interested,” Krystkowiak said.

Throughout her years of playing, especially since her sophomore year on the varsity team, her commitment to the sport has only grown.

“I enjoy the energy, culture, and overall family aspect that [volleyball] has incorporated into my life,” Krystkowiak said. “I love all the girls on my team and would call them my best friends which is such an important thing to be able to have since volleyball relies heavily on team orientation and dynamics.”

With Krystkowiak’s athletic devotion, success is bound to make an appearance. Krystkowiak is going to continue her volleyball career at Stanford University in the fall of 2026.

“Committing to my dream college, [Stanford], is definitely my biggest success so far,” Krystkowiak said. “Also just being able to see how much growth and development that has occurred the past two years is something that I would call a huge success.”