By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

SAN MARCOS — Four years after stepping onto the court as a freshman, Samantha Wunsch has become everything Texas State hoped for and more.

The redshirt junior outside hitter from Austin’s Vandegrift High School has been the heartbeat of the Bobcats’ rise under head coach Sean Huiet, blending power, competitiveness and consistency to help Texas State remain one of the Sun Belt’s most respected programs.

That was on full display Saturday afternoon, when Wunsch delivered another steady performance in Texas State’s 3–2 victory over Coastal Carolina (25-12, 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-12) at Strahan Arena. The win improved the Bobcats to 14-11 overall and 9-5 in the Sun Belt, while the Chanticleers dropped to 16-10 and 8-6.

Wunsch finished with 13 kills, 15 digs and three block assists, helping Texas State rally from a 2–1 deficit to close out a hard-fought weekend sweep.

“I love Texas State,” Wunsch said afterward. “I feel out-of-this-world blessed to have played here and to have had the career that I’ve had. There’s obviously been hard times and amazing times, but all of it has shaped us as players and people. I wouldn’t ask for it any other way.”

Huiet didn’t hold back when asked what Wunsch has meant to the program.

“What Sam has done for our program… I don’t know if I’ve coached a more competitive kid,” Huiet said. “Some days that’s good, some days that’s bad. I’ve got to ring her back just a little bit,” he added with a smile. “But it’s been fun to watch her grow, not just in volleyball but in maturity and leadership. Seeing how she’s evolved into doing everything we ask of her night in and night out, that’s been really, really cool to see.”

A two-time first team All-Sun Belt selection, AVCA All-Region honoree, and four-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week, Wunsch has built one of the most decorated résumés in program history. Last season, she led the Bobcats with 450.5 total points and averaged 3.7 kills per set — production that has carried seamlessly into 2025.

But beyond the numbers, her presence has helped shape the identity of a team built largely on local ties. Wunsch is one of six Central Texas players on the roster, joined by Maggie Walsh (San Marcos), Dylan Gilkey (Cedar Park), Alyssa Clark (Cedar Ridge), Naara Tanco (Rouse) and Ashley Euston (Dripping Springs). Together, they form a homegrown nucleus that reflects the strength of the region’s volleyball scene and the program’s ability to keep that talent close to home.

Austin ties at Texas State

For Wunsch, one of those connections goes back further than most. She grew up playing club volleyball with Gilkey, who now sets her at Texas State — and lives with her off the court.

“I love Dylan so much,” Wunsch said. “She’s also my roommate, but it’s kind of like this weird invisible string. Her dad (Ted) is the reason I play volleyball. He saw me jump one day and taught me how to do an approach he coached my first club team. I’ve known Dylan and her family for so long, and it’s so cool and full circle to be able to play my last season here with her.”

That connection was evident against Coastal Carolina, particularly in the fourth and fifth sets, as Gilkey repeatedly found Wunsch on key points to swing momentum back to the Bobcats. It’s that kind of chemistry, built through years of shared experience, that continues to make Texas State a consistent contender.

For Huiet, that bond, along with Wunsch’s drive, has been the foundation of her success.

“She’s part of that first class that committed to us after I took over as head coach,” Huiet said. “They’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Watching Sam grow, compete, and lead — that’s what makes coaching worth it.”

With the Sun Belt Conference tournament on the horizon, Wunsch’s influence on and off the court remains clear. She’s the one who steadies the team when sets tighten, the one who embodies what the Bobcats have built.

“Being here, being part of this, it means everything,” Wunsch said. “Texas State is home.”

Player profile: Samantha Wunsch

Position: Outside hitter | Class: Redshirt junior | Hometown: Austin, Texas | High school: Vandegrift

Career accomplishments

• Two-time First Team All-Sun Belt selection (2023, 2024)
• AVCA All-Region Team honoree (2024)
• Four-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week
• Two-time All-Sun Belt Tournament Team member
• CSC Academic All-District selection
• Named to 2023 Texas State Invitational MVP, 2024 Outrigger Invitational All-Tournament Team, and 2025 UTSA Invitational All-Tournament Team

Did you know?

• Wunsch is one of six Central Texas players on the Texas State roster.
• She grew up playing club volleyball with teammate and roommate Dylan Gilkey.
• Wunsch credits Gilkey’s father, Shane, for introducing her to the sport.