University of Tennessee Athletics
Photo by: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Bender Named To SEC Softball Community Service Team
May 10, 2022 | Softball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference announced Tuesday afternoon that Tennessee redshirt senior Samantha Bender has been named to the 2022 SEC Softball Community Service Team. The Community Service Team looks to highlight athletes from each respective institution who give back to their community in superior service efforts.
A right-handed pitcher from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Bender has displayed an exceptional dedication to community service during her three years on Rocky Top. She has volunteered her time with several local organizations, including the Love Kitchen, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) and Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Bender's extensive list of service projects also includes participating in Read Across America and Read to Lead day with schools in Knox County.
Bender was a member of the VOLeaders Academy 6.0 cohort, taking part in the year-long leadership curriculum that culminated with a cultural exchange trip to Belize in the summer of 2021. The group served alongside Hearts of Christ's Children Ministry and the YMCA of Belize.
Bender is a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and is set to complete her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a minor in leadership studies next week. She was recently honored as one of 13 student-athletes in the country to receive the NCAA Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship endowment.
In her third year at Tennessee and fifth year as a Division I softball player, she has made 55 career appearances with 20 starts, three complete games and 72 strikeouts. Bender tossed her first career no-hitter last season, spinning five innings with a pair of Ks against Northern Kentucky on Feb. 28, 2021, as the Lady Vols run-ruled the Norse, 8-0.
Bender and the Lady Vols travel to Gainesville, Florida, this week for the 2022 SEC Tournament. Tennessee will open the conference showcase Thursday at noon ET as the No. 3 seed, facing either 6th-seeded LSU or 11th-seeded Mississippi State on SEC Network.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee softball, follow @Vol_Softball on Twitter and Instagram.
A right-handed pitcher from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Bender has displayed an exceptional dedication to community service during her three years on Rocky Top. She has volunteered her time with several local organizations, including the Love Kitchen, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) and Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Bender's extensive list of service projects also includes participating in Read Across America and Read to Lead day with schools in Knox County.
Bender was a member of the VOLeaders Academy 6.0 cohort, taking part in the year-long leadership curriculum that culminated with a cultural exchange trip to Belize in the summer of 2021. The group served alongside Hearts of Christ's Children Ministry and the YMCA of Belize.
Bender is a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and is set to complete her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a minor in leadership studies next week. She was recently honored as one of 13 student-athletes in the country to receive the NCAA Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship endowment.
In her third year at Tennessee and fifth year as a Division I softball player, she has made 55 career appearances with 20 starts, three complete games and 72 strikeouts. Bender tossed her first career no-hitter last season, spinning five innings with a pair of Ks against Northern Kentucky on Feb. 28, 2021, as the Lady Vols run-ruled the Norse, 8-0.
Bender and the Lady Vols travel to Gainesville, Florida, this week for the 2022 SEC Tournament. Tennessee will open the conference showcase Thursday at noon ET as the No. 3 seed, facing either 6th-seeded LSU or 11th-seeded Mississippi State on SEC Network.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee softball, follow @Vol_Softball on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
P
/ SoftballSB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.25.25)
Sunday, May 25
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.24.25)
Saturday, May 24
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.23.25)
Friday, May 23
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Ohio State (5.18.25)
Sunday, May 18
