Pitt OH Samara Coleman No Longer With the Program

Samara Coleman committed to Pitt in 2023, signed with Pitt in 2024 and arrived on campus this year, but she will not play a set for the Panthers.

Coleman — a 6-foot-1 outside hitter from Houston, Tx. — announced on social media that she has committed to play for TCU, leaving the University of Pittsburgh. It’s a difficult loss for the Panthers in more ways than one.

“I’m forever grateful for the Pitt coaches, and the staff for giving me an opportunity to be a part of an amazing program and community,” Coleman wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “This wasn’t an easy decision.

“With that being said…GO FROGS.”

PROVERBS 16:9

I’m forever grateful for the Pitt coaches, and staff for giving me an opportunity to be a part of an amazing program and community. This wasn’t an easy decision.

With that being said…GO FROGS🐸#God’splan #stayinghome #HEALTHY pic.twitter.com/x0Kup7XvJs

— Samara Coleman (@SamaraColeman25) January 17, 2025

Coleman was a standout in Texas, starring at Grand Oaks High in Houston and playing her club ball for Houston Skyline. She was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) 6A first-team All-State in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

She was named the All-Greater Houston Player of the Year as a senior at Grand Oaks, racking up 693 kills (hitting .332%), 51 aces, 336 digs and 47 blocks.

“Samara has been playing at the highest level of club and USA volleyball from a young age,” Dan Fisher said in November in a Pitt release. “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.”

She was a top commitment in the class of 2025, who signed her Letter of Intent alongside middle blocker Abbey Emch, but after arriving on campus earlier this month, she’s no longer with the program. It remains unclear why exactly why she’s left Pitt for TCU.

Pitt was light on outside hitters with the loss of All-American Torrey Stafford, who has since committed to Texas, and now with Coleman out of the picture, the Panthers are in need of help. Blaire Bayless is the only outside hitter currently on the roster.

It’s likely that head coach Dan Fisher will dip into the transfer portal to land another sometime before the start of the season.