Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Fund

HONORING SAM CIOFFI, 9/14/99-5/1/22

Sam Cioffi was a Salem State student-athlete and a proud member of the Vikings men’s lacrosse team. Although his time at Salem State was brief, his impact was immediate and lasting as he set the single game and season scoring record in 2022 and was named  honorable mention for the LEC conference team. Sam was also the 2022 recipient for the Salem State VeSPY award for record breaking season.

Sam was a popular and well known student-athlete among the local sports community and across the north shore as he was a D1 commit for lacrosse his freshman year of high school. Despite these successes, Sam also faced struggles with his mental health and drug addiction. Although Sam had turned things around while at Salem State, his life ended after taking a pill that was laced with fentanyl after celebrating his final game and breaking the record. Fentanyl has been the number one killer for ages 18-45 the last two years. The Cioffi family wishes to honor Sam’s memory by raising funds for a student-athlete wellness center named in his memory to continue his legacy and share his story to help others.

Today’s collegiate student-athletes are at an increased risk of mental health concerns as they balance the academic, social, and financial challenges of college with the additional pressures to perform on the field. The Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness fund will enhance and elevate the student-athlete experience through supporting them in these areas and providing student-athletes with resources and lifeskill development to help them navigate the demands and opportunities they encounter as a Viking. Programming will include speakers, workshops, individual and team sessions, and on-line educational tools in the areas of mental and physical wellness, academic and athletic excellence, and personal and career development.

Sam was proud of his tattoo that said “let them know you passed this way once”. By giving to this campaign you will help us honor that motto and his memory while supporting all that come after him and represent Salem State University in their athletic and academic pursuits.

To find more information about the Sam Cioffi Memorial Lacrosse Tournament please visit the tournament page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sam-cioffi-memorial-lacrosse-tournament-tickets-629633048397.

Checks should be made payable to Salem State University Foundation and mailed to:

Please make note that it is for Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Fund

Advancement Services

Salem State University

352 Lafayette Street

Salem, MA 01970-9929