MLV Minnesota signs former University of Minnesota standout Stephanie Samedy
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – MLV Minnesota General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes today announced the team has signed Stephanie Samedy to a contract beginning with the 2027 season, making her the first player signing in franchise history.
Samedy, 27, recently completed her second season with the Hisamitsu Springs of Japan’s SV League, where she helped lead the club to the league championship and finished the season as the league’s third‑leading scorer. During the 2024–25 season, she helped Hisamitsu Springs to a second‑place finish at the Women’s Empress’ Cup All‑Japan Championship. Before playing in Japan, she competed professionally in Germany, Italy, and Turkey, quickly establishing herself as one of the top attackers on the international stage.
“Steph has earned a reputation as one of the best players in the world,” said MLV Minnesota General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes. “In addition to being outstanding on the court, she will be a great role model for young women and girls in our community. This was a rare opportunity to sign a high‑caliber player with incredible integrity.”
The 6‑foot‑2 opposite hitter is well known to Minnesotans as one of the most decorated players in the history of the University of Minnesota volleyball program. A five‑time AVCA All‑American and two‑time Big Ten Player of the Year, Samedy became the first Gopher, and just the second Big Ten player in history, to record 2,000 career kills and 1,500 career digs. In 145 career matches at Minnesota, she totaled 2,020 kills, 1,539 digs, 413 blocks, and 87 service aces.
“I’m thrilled to be able to continue my professional career in Minnesota, a place that feels like home to me,” said Samedy. “I’ve been fortunate to develop and play in many different environments, and each one has helped shape who I am both on and off the court. I’m excited to bring that experience to MLV Minnesota.”
A Clermont, Fla., native, Samedy is a current member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, making her debut at the 2020 NORCECA Pan American Cup. She helped the team win gold at the 2023 NORCECA Pan Am Cup Final Six and silver at the 2022 event, and she is considered a strong contender for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Volleyball Team in 2028.
MLV Minnesota will begin league play in January 2027. To place a season ticket deposit for MLV Minnesota and for more information on the team, please visit MLVMinnesota.com and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world-class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership, and global ambition. Aligned with USA Volleyball and committed to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
About Grand Casino Arena
Regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world, Grand Casino Arena is a one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility located in downtown Saint Paul, home to more than 150 sporting and entertainment events and roughly 1.5 million visitors each year. Grand Casino Arena is known for being passionate about creating the best experiences imaginable for their guests, and that includes providing a setting that is a model of sustainable practices. Efforts have been designed to integrate into the Arena’s daily operations and culture. This ensures that efforts and results will have lasting benefits for the community. Grand Casino Arena is honored to have been recognized as leaders in sustainability from various organizations within the community. Grand Casino Arena is owned by the City of Saint Paul and managed by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Minnesota Wild. For more information, visit grandcasinoarena.com.
About Minnesota Sports & Entertainment
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is a regional sports and entertainment leader that includes the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, a new Major League Volleyball expansion team that will begin play in 2027, 317 on Rice Park and the facility management of Grand Casino Arena, TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium.