Samantha Jeanne Lutz was born in Columbus, Ohio on March 4, 1985. She grew up in Grove City, Ohio. Her mom is Mary Jeanne England and her dad is Sam Lutz. Her step-dad is Larry England. She has two brothers, Bernie and Chris. Her sister Ashley is a senior in high school. She trained at Midwest Gymnastics.

In 1996, Samantha competed at her first JO National Championships. She finished 12th all-around! Samantha continued competing as a level ten until college. She finished sixth all-around at the JO National Championships in 2001. She also won the uneven bars title. In 2002, she finished third on vault. At the 2003 JO National Championships, she placed fifth all-around. Samantha also won the uneven bars title. She competed internationally in Sweden at the age of thirteen and at France's Marseille Cup twice.

She began attending University of Florida in the fall of 2003. She earned All-American first-team honors on balance beam. She competed in the all-around throughout the season. Sam competed on bars fourteen times. As a sophomore, she claimed three uneven bar titles. She was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Samantha was also co-captain of the team. Samantha earned All-American second-team honors on bars as a junior. She won her second Regional bar Title. She was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the second time in a row.

Samantha continued to improve as a junior. She earned second-team All-American honors on uneven bars. At the NCAA Regionals, she won uneven bars for the second year in a row. She won two balance beam titles and six uneven bars titles during the dual meets. She received the Gator Heart and Soul Award. She was also a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. During her final season she was a member of the bar lineup in every meet. She won her third regional bar title. She competed on floor in the last half of the season. She was a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a recipient of a Gator Achievement Award. Samantha is now working as a marketing associate for Stryker Endoscopy.

Fast Facts Name: Samantha Lutz Birthday: March 4, 1985 Club: Midwest College: Florida U. of Florida

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to Florida JO National Qualifier 2003: JO National Bar Champion 2002: JO Nationals- 3rd VT 2001: JO Nationals- 1st UB

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Photos © Lloyd Smith