Elkins, W.Va. – Davis & Elkins College Athletics is proud to launch its Alumni Spotlight series by featuring Samantha Kirk '21, former standout member of the Senators Track & Field team. The new series will highlight the journeys and achievements of D&E Athletics alumni, celebrating their impact both on campus and beyond.
Full Name: Samantha Kirk
Grad Year: 2021
Sport(s) Played: Track & Field
Coach: Head Coach Jason Pyles; Assistant Coach Omar Lane
Major/Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in English with concentrations in writing and literature, minor in Art
Current Job Title & Employer: Kirk currently serves as Executive Digital Producer at WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, W.Va. In this role, she leads a team of digital content and social media producers while overseeing the station's website and social media accounts.
Location: Clarksburg, W.Va.
Favorite Memory as a Senator?
"Winning the 400-meter hurdles in Hillsdale, Michigan, at the 2019 GMAC Championships with a top-20 national time definitely takes the cake. My favorite picture from college is one Coach Jason Pyles took less than two minutes after that race, when I was laying on the field with a thumbs up."
How did your time as a part of D&E Athletics impact your life/career?
"I did things as a D&E athlete that I never even knew were possible when I signed to join the team. Being an athlete taught me to work hard and set big goals because I'm capable of more than I think. I also gained friendships that I will keep for life."
What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
"If you love your sport, you're not ever going to regret giving 100% to your sport and team. Treat every practice, race, or game like it's your last chance to do it. You'll probably miss it, even if it doesn't hit you right after you graduate."
Favorite Game-Day Tradition or Pregame Ritual?
"Before every relay, I would say a prayer — 'keep our legs strong and our minds stronger.' Even though not all of us were particularly religious, it brought us together. We would hold hands, settle the nerves, and believe in each other. And of course, peanut butter bagels were always part of the routine."
A decorated student-athlete, Kirk captured conference titles at both the indoor and outdoor MEC Championships, won the 400-meter hurdles at the 2019 GMAC Championships, and was later selected as a conference honoree for the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year award, one of only 152 chosen nationwide from 535 nominees. Academically, she graduated as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was actively involved in campus organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Aurora Literary Magazine, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Davis & Elkins College Athletics looks forward to spotlighting more alumni in the weeks ahead, sharing the stories of former Senators who continue to excel in their professions, communities, and personal lives.
