Hampton University Athletics

Samantha Ficksman joined the Pirates as head coach in August 2007. She is motivated to keep the program moving ahead with team development as Hampton continues to compete against and challenge many of the top programs in the country.  Ficksman came to Hampton after four years as an assistant at Old Dominion University. During Ficksman's time at ODU, the Monarchs competed in nine National Championship Events, securing two titles in women’s single-handed. Prior to ODU, she coached at J World in Annapolis and worked as a captain on a variety of vessels around the country.

 

Ficksman grew up sailing in Maryland and attended ODU where she was a member of the sailing team. While at ODU, she finished in the top four at four of the seven National Championship Events she competed in. She was honored as an All-American and in 1996 was College Sailing’s Sportsman of the Year. She served as her team’s captain and her senior year she was named Team MVP.

 

When her schedule allows, Ficksman enjoys sailing competitively in many one design classes including J22, Vanguard 15, Laser Radial.