App State Names Samantha LaFon as Student-Athlete Development Coordinator

June 6, 2025

Media Contact: Layne McNary (mc******@ap******.edu)

Online: https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/6/6/athletics-app-state-names-samantha-lafon-as-student-athlete-development-coordinator.aspx

BOONE, N.C. – App State Athletics has named Samantha LaFon, a former Mountaineer women’s basketball student-athlete and recent graduate, as its new Student-Athlete Development Coordinator.

In this crucial role, LaFon will focus on programming that will support App State student-athletes athletically, academically and with their post-college career endeavors.

“I’m incredibly honored to return to App State as the new Student-Athlete Development Coordinator,” LaFon said. “As a former student-athlete here, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique culture and community that make this university so special. My passion lies in creating opportunities, providing resources, and fostering an environment where every athlete can thrive beyond their sport. I’m excited to collaborate with campus partners, coaches and the broader App State community to support our student-athletes in all aspects of their growth—from academic and career readiness to mental wellness and life skills. I want to thank Doug Gillin, Erika Cheung and the rest of our staff for giving me this opportunity.”

LaFon brings valuable leadership experience from her time as a student-athlete. For two years, she served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She also held the position of vice chair for the Sun Belt Conference SAAC, where she helped create and promote initiatives, acted as the primary point of contact for NCAA opportunities and surveys and planned conference meetings.

Additionally, LaFon was the 2025-26 Sun Belt representative for the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Group. In this role, she advocated for the conference and provided feedback on matters related to women’s basketball.

LaFon appeared in 39 games across two seasons with the Mountaineers after competing the first three years of her career at Marshall.

A native of Chesapeake, Ohio, LaFon now resides in Boone, where she enjoys yoga, cooking, reading and spending time with her family.

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App State Athletics Strategic Communications
425 Jack Branch Drive
Boone, NC, 28608
www.appstatesports.com