Atlantic Cape Women’s Volleyball Player Samantha Dangler Honored as a Woman of the Year Recipient During Ceremony

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College sophomore Samantha Dangler was honored by the New Jersey Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) as a 2023 Woman of the Year recipient during an awards ceremony at Seton Hall University on February 18.

Dangler, who was also named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Region 19 and All-GSAC (Garden State Athletic Conference) women’s volleyball teams this past season, was honored along with other female student-athletes from across New Jersey during half-time of the Seton Hall/Xavier Women’s Basketball game at center court in Walsh Gymnasium.

Dangler, who is from Mullica Township, credits the overwhelming support she has received from her parents, Atlantic Cape Women's Volleyball Head Coach Karla Maisto and Atlantic Cape Women's Volleyball coach Josh Concepcion for building her skills as a player and guiding her growth as a human being.

“I feel extremely honored to receive such an amazing award. This achievement is more than just a mark of solid athletic performance, but of strong character as well,” Dangler said. “It is truly gratifying to know that I stood out and was noticed for both of these qualities because every day I am in the gym I strive to be a leader that my younger teammates would want to emulate.”

Each year, the NJAIAW recognizes exceptional female student-athletes from throughout New Jersey at the high school, 2-year-college and 4-year-college levels for their excellence in the classroom and on their respective athletic fields and courts. This event was held as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Maisto had met and known about Dangler prior to coaching her. She was aware of the impressive 12 high school varsity letters that Dangler earned over her four years at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology high school as well.

“Once I became her coach I could see why all of her previous coaches loved her. She brings out the competitiveness in her teammates by always giving her all at each practice and game,” Maisto said. “Without her, I am certain that we would not have a Regional Final banner hanging in our gymnasium just two years into the program.”

Dangler will graduate from Atlantic Cape this spring with an associate’s degree in Health Information Technology and is planning on attending Rutgers University online in the fall.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.