Fewer than 2% of high school athletes go on to compete at D1 colleges. But, playing under one’s own father at the highest level of collegiate sports is even more rare. Soon, Sam Wulff (’25) will experience this rare opportunity himself at California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo State University.

Wulff formally signed to play Division 1 Football for Cal Poly on December 5th, 2024. He feels fulfilled to see the payoff rom the dedication put into his sport. 

“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, [and] to see the fruit of my labor felt really good,” Wulff said.

Wulff chose to stay local, emphasizing the connection he felt with students who already attend the school as one of the reasons he was drawn to be a Mustang.

“It’s more about the people than the place,” Wulff said  “ The guys [on the team] that I have been in contact with [have] treated me like more than friends.” 

Touching on family, Wulff will have the unique experience of playing under his father, Paul Wulff, the head coach at Caly Poly. 

“Everybody asks me about what kind of coach he’s like, and to be honest, I don’t really know,”  Wulff said. “I’ll be able to tell now that I’ll be practicing with him every day. I’m just really excited. I’ve wanted to play for him my whole life, no matter where it was, and for that to finally happen, it’s pretty awesome.” 

Wulff’s dad is a former college player turned college coach and has made this moment even more special for Wulff and his family. 

“It’s just been awesome because we’ve moved around a lot because of his jobs,” Wulff said. “And, to now, firsthand, be involved with what he does, even more than I already was, is a blessing in so many ways.” 

Wulff is excited about next fall, where he will get his first minutes playing D1 football under his dad.