Bio

Samantha (Rogers) Birkicht wrapped up her seventh year as head volleyball coach in 2023 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville after serving as an assistant with the program from 2011-2015. As head coach, Birkicht boasts a career record of 97-84, including a mark of 44-17 over the past two seasons. Birkicht has been described as a passionate and enthusiastic coach, and one who can recruit talent and get the best out of her players.

In 2023, Birkicht guided the Pioneers to a 21-8 record, highlighted by an 11-match winning streak. UW-Platteville finished third in the WIAC with a 5-2 record, and hosted the opening round of the conference tournament for the first time since 2010. Several Pioneers earned postseason honors, including All-America Honorable Mention recognition for Emma Carlson.

Birkicht put together her best record as head coach in 2022, going 23-9 overall, including a 9-0 start to the campaign. The Pioneers had a pair of All-WIAC selections, with Kierney McDonald being named the conference's Newcomer of the Year.

In her third season (2019), Birkicht led the Pioneers to a 16-14 record including seven straight victories and the UW-Platteville invitational championship.  The Pioneers also knocked off second-place UW-Stevens Point in a five-set thriller.

Prior to her return to UW-Platteville as head coach, Birkicht worked as an assistant coach with the program from 2011-15. In her first year as assistant coach in 2011, the Pioneers continued a string of eight-consecutive berths to the WIAC Tournament, where they went on to finish fourth. During her time as assistant coach, Birkicht helped lead the team to three seasons with a record at or above .500, including back-to-back 21-win season in 2011 and 2012.

Before coaching at the collegiate level, Birkicht turned around the volleyball program in the Forrest Valley School District. She guided a program from a below .500 mark to the conference title in 2010. She also served as the Freeport site director for Club Fusion from 2006-11 as well as a head coach and facility manager. In 2007, she led Aquin Catholic High School in Freeport to its first conference title in 16 years.

Birkicht graduated from UW-Platteville, where she was recognized on the High Honors Dean’s List. She has her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Birkicht earned her master’s degree from Emporia State University and also has an associate of arts degree from Highland Community College.