The Valparaiso University men's golf program has announced the addition of incoming freshman Tyler Samaan (Elgin, Ill. / Burlington Central), who will join the team for the 2026-2027 academic and athletic year.
 
Samaan is a three-year varsity letter winner on the golf course, including the 2025 season where he was named the team's Most Valuable Player. He won conference championships in 2024 and 2025, won a regional title in 2025 and is a three-time state qualifier. Samaan was named the NWH boys Golfer of the Year in 2024 and 2025 and tabbed KCC Golfer of the Year for his efforts during the 2025 campaign.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Tyler and his family to our team and we can't wait to see the impact that he will have for us, starting this fall and throughout his four years with our program," head coach Dave Gring said. "Tyler comes to Valpo with a wealth of experience and a terrific competitive body of work. The development of his swing, along with his mental game and constant refining of his wedges, chipping and putting have been consistent throughout his high school years. He has received excellent coaching from his swing coach and high school coach and we are excited to continue his development at Valpo."
 
Samaan is a four-year member of National Honor Society. He enjoys filming golf content and posting it on social media. Other hobbies include snowboarding, working out, surfing, basketball, tennis and pickleball. Growing up, he did gymnastics starting when he was a year old. At age 9, he had a severe injury on a trampoline and had a life-changing surgery. Doctors told him he would never be able to play a sport again, and a few months later he was back to playing sports. Signing to continue his golf career at the Division-I level marks the latest accomplishment in his story of resilience and overcoming obstacles.
 
"Tyler's strengths include his short game, wedge distance control and putting," Gring said. "He has terrific feel around the greens with his chipping and controls the speed of his putts very well.  I love the athleticism that he brings to our team and he has a strong desire to work hard every day and get better every day. Tyler has an awesome competitive desire to win and he will bring a lot of energy to our team. Most importantly, Tyler is a pleasure to be around, he's going to be a terrific fit on our team and the support system and family that he has around him is palpable.  Our coaching staff and team welcomes Tyler and the Samaan Family to Valpo!"