Sam Albert

Sam Albert is a highly accomplished and experienced figure in collegiate track and field and cross country. He currently serves as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at the University of Rochester, a position he has held for 16 years as of the 2024-2025 academic year.1

Career Highlights

Education and Athletic Background: Sam Albert is an alumnus of the University of Rochester, having graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. During his time as a student-athlete, he was a standout performer, earning six conference championships as a sprinter and hurdler, and serving as team captain for two years.1

Coaching Experience: After graduation, Albert began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Rochester from 2001 to 2004.3 He then pursued further education and gained experience at other institutions before returning to his alma mater:

• Earned a Master's degree in Education from Rochester's Warner Graduate School of Education
• Obtained a second Master's degree in Exercise & Sport Science/Sport Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006
• Worked in the Athletic Department at the University of North Carolina as a graduate assistant (2004-2006)
• Served on the Athletics staff at New York University (2006-2009)1

Leadership at University of Rochester: Albert returned to the University of Rochester in 2009 to take on the role of Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. In this position, he has overseen all aspects of the cross country and track & field programs, and recently expanded his role to include Women's Cross Country Coach in Summer 2024.1

Achievements and Recognition

Under Albert's leadership, the University of Rochester's track and field and cross country programs have seen significant success:

• 82 First Team All-America honors since 2009
• 165 qualifiers for the NCAA Track & Field Championships
• 7 NCAA Division III national titles, including recent back-to-back championships in women's 4x400 relay (2023 and 2024)
• 274 individual and relay conference titles
• Multiple team qualifications for NCAA Championships in both men's and women's cross country1

Albert has also received recognition for his coaching prowess, including being named the 2024 Liberty League Women's Coaching Staff of the Year for Outdoor Track & Field.2

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

• Holds Level 1 coaching certification from USA Track & Field
• Certified as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with Advanced Endorsement by the USTFCCCA
• Member of USA Track & Field and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association
• Past President of the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference (AARTFC)1

Sam Albert's dedication to both athletic excellence and academic achievement has made him a respected figure in collegiate track and field and cross country, contributing significantly to the success of the University of Rochester's programs.