When we first featured Samira Washington in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before her by refusing to settle for mediocrity. Looking at her accomplishments over the past year, it’s clear she has continued to live out that mindset.

Recognized on the 2025 AVCA Phenom Watchlist, Samira continues to make her mark as a multi-sport athlete. She recently set a personal best of 12.22 seconds in the 100-meter dash and earned both the Most Rushing Yards Award and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors on the football field. No matter the sport, Samira approaches competition with the same determination, discipline, and belief that excellence is earned through hard work.

For Samira, her African-American heritage represents the freedom to define her own path rather than follow the expectations others place upon her. It means pushing beyond limitations, overcoming challenges, and honoring the sacrifices made by previous generations. Every time she steps onto a court, track, or field, she competes with purpose, understanding that the opportunities she has today were made possible by those who fought for them before her.

The person who continues to inspire her most is her maternal great-grandmother. Born into circumstances that required incredible courage and resilience, her story remains a source of motivation whenever Samira faces adversity. That legacy reminds her to keep pushing, keep improving, and never take opportunities for granted.

A year later, Samira’s story continues to reflect the same message she shared then: embrace your journey, honor those who paved the way, and never stop pursuing your full potential.

~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247

Samira plays with expressive confidence. Her swing is fast and assertive, but it’s her urgency and energy that make her a tone-setter on the pin. She competes openly — celebrating, communicating, elevating — and her emotional presence often lifts the gym. She doesn’t just attack; she announces her impact. A true momentum-builder. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

Samira Washington, a 2027 middle blocker, outside hitter, and right-side for Tsunami Cobb 16-1 Elite Sara, carries a deep connection to her African-American heritage. For Samira, it means embracing the freedom to define her own path, not the one society expects. It’s about pushing beyond limitations, overcoming challenges others may never face, and honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before her. She plays with purpose, knowing her ancestors protested for a future she now steps into. Every time she steps on the court, she competes with full effort and intention, driven by the belief that their fight was not for her to live in mediocrity.

Her maternal great-grandmother is the person who inspires her most. Born into a time when young girls were married off as a norm, she was married at 12, escaped, and was forced into another marriage at 13. Now 91, her perseverance and strength left a lasting legacy. When Samira faces challenges, she remembers that legacy and uses it as fuel. Her great-grandmother’s resilience is why she trains outside of practice, puts in the extra hours, and never settles. ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247

Samira Washington is an explosive athlete with an elite vertical and strong net presence. Whether soaring for a powerful swing or establishing a disciplined block, she impacts both ends of the game. Her ability to play above the net and dominate in transition makes her a high-upside outside hitter with major potential for the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247