Samantha Cortez is in her second season as the director of gymnastics operations after returning to Arkansas for the 2009 season.

A former Razorback gymnast, Cortez’s duties with the team include day-to-day office management, coordination of meet officials and meet management.

As the Razorbacks’ meet manager, Cortez schedules pre-meet entertainment, coordinates team entries, assists with manual scoring and team awards.

As a gymnast at Arkansas, Cortez guided the Razorbacks to four NCAA Regional appearances and the program’s first two NCAA Championship appearances.

Cortez was a three-time Academic All-Southeastern Conference selection and was honored by the NACGC/W as a member of its all-scholar team in 2008. In addition, Cortez had a team award, the Samantha Cortez Leadership Award, presented to her at the conclusion of her senior season.

Cortez is the only child of Hector and Victoria Cortez of Verona, N.J.  She graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas in May 2008 and is pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.