Head Coach Tim Taylor began the unveiling of the 2025-26 Navy women’s basketball staff on Monday with the announcement of Sam Brunelle as an assistant coach. An accomplished player at Notre Dame and Virginia, this is Brunelle’s first collegiate coaching assignment.
One of the more highly-touted players coming out of the high school ranks, Brunelle played on multiple Junior National USA Basketball teams and garnered three gold medals and a fourth bronze in international competition, as well as the status of McDonald’s All-American. Her success as a youth allowed her to be ranked number six overall by espnW in the Class of 2019 and go onto play for Notre Dame coming out of high school.
As a member of the Fighting Irish, Brunelle was recognized on the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award watchlist as one of the nation’s top small forwards and later to the Katrina McClain Award watchlist in 2020 and 2021 for consideration as the best power forward. After leading all freshman in the ACC in scoring with 13.9 points per game in 2019-20 she was selected to the conference’s All-Freshman Team. She concluded her time in South Bend in 2022 as she graduated in three years with a degree in Film, Television and Theater.
With two more seasons of active eligibility, Brunelle returned to her home state to play for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. A captain during both of her seasons suiting up with the Cavaliers, she appeared in 51 games and made 42 combined starts. Once again recognized on the Katrina McClain Award watchlist prior to both campaigns, Brunelle rounded out her career in 2024 and graduated with a Masters of Education in Student Affairs in High Education.
Following five years of battling in the ACC, she challenged herself on the professional circuit and spent the 2024-25 season playing with PAOK in the top Greek pro league.
Throughout her playing experiences, Brunelle consistently advanced her basketball skill set, game IQ and leadership by competing against top-level talent and learning from established coaches. She also established and built a strong personal brand through the avenues associated with Name, Image & Likeness.
“I am truly excited to add Sam to our program and the Naval Academy,” remarked Taylor. “In analyzing the needs of our program, it was paramount for us to find positive professionals with high-level basketball experiences either playing or coaching who have a passion for teaching and developing players as well as committed to creating staff and program synergy. We had a tremendous applicant pool, but it was obvious throughout the interview process that Sam was the exact person we needed to help elevate our players and program. She connected extremely well with our players, administrative staff, officer reps and our coaches.
“Sam’s passion for the game and her positivity jumped out at everyone during the interview process. Our O-Rep’s commented on how her “servant leadership mindset” and wanting to be part of something bigger stood out and would serve her well at the Academy. Which was extremely important to us in this search.
“Sam was an outstanding player and has worked with elite level trainers and coaches throughout her career. You could see that high level training experience and knowledge when she put our coaches through an individual workout. She will be an outstanding teacher and role model for our players and they will be able to relate to her and benefit from her collegiate and USA Basketball experiences. In addition, her personality, ability to communicate and work ethic will make her an outstanding recruiter.
“Not only was she a great player but she has consistently given back to her community and others throughout her career which fits with the Academy mindset. Sam used her platform to raise money for the Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston and other various local causes as well. She was already talking with our players about giving back with potential community service projects in Annapolis. In addition, our program will also benefit from her ability and knowledge of branding and promoting our team, players and the mission of the Naval Academy.”
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join coach Tim Taylor and the Navy Women’s Basketball program,” exclaimed Brunelle. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a strong connection with the people, the players, the coaching staff, administration, and the pure culture and tradition that exists at the academy. The values upheld at the Naval Academy — discipline, integrity, leadership, and service — deeply align with who I am, both as a person and a young professional. I’m a passionate and committed individual, and it means a great deal to me to help shape and serve the next generation of women who have chosen to compete at a high level while preparing to lead our country and beyond here at Navy. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the incredible culture and success at the Naval Academy! Go Navy!”
Tagged with: Patriot League
