Samantha Hundley, nicknamed Cha Chi, who had a brief career playing for the Chicago Force, died unexpectedly June 23. She was 25.
An Addison native, Hundley was known around Chicago for her infectious smile and charming personality. She had several random jobs, was a territory manager with ADT Security Services and also worked for Zip Sauce.
Hundley graduated from Addison Trail High School, where she played basketball and softball. She then went to College of DuPage.
Hundley played for the Force in 2011 and 2012—and was on the sidelines with the team in 2012 when the Force battled for the national championship, played in Pittsburgh.
"She just wanted to be on the field, wanted to play, wanted to be on the team, in whatever way possible, doing whatever needed to be done," said Force teammate Kimberly Marks. "I still remember her standing on the sidelines at the 2012 national championship game, cheering for everyone. She of course wanted to be on the field [playing], but was still so encouraging to and for everyone. When things started to go bad [in that national championship game, which the Force ultimately lost], she was still so uplifting, so encouraging."
Former Force player Lindsey Cole said Hundley's personality always will be remembered. "She always wanted to have fun," Cole said. "She loved life, loved getting together with people."
Hundley was a sports diehard, particularly fond of the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs and University of Michigan football. One of her all-time favorite athletes was Michael Jordan.
Hundley loved working out, was seemingly obsessed with energy drinks, and regularly wore Under Armour attire.
"On the sideline [during Force games], we were SSBs: Sideline Support Buddies," Cole said, laughing. "We never played in games, but still had fun."
Cole also reflected on the time Hundley came over to watch a Michigan-Notre Dame football game, yet Hundley fell asleep late in the game and missed seeing Michigan win in the final four seconds.
"I'll remember her as such a firecracker, [with] so much energy all the time. She was always smiling, always willing to do whatever needed at practice. She was just a lot of fun to be around," Marks said. "We bonded over Under Armour, and she'd even steal my [Under Armour] clothes because she could fit them.
"We also were Michigan fans, so we often took a lot of ribbing from Ohio State [University] fans, especially those on the team."
Force coach John Konecki said, "Samantha was a pleasure to have on our team. She was extremely competitive and always gave 100 percent. Off the field she was a vibrant individual who had an infectious smile. As an organization we are deeply saddened by the news of her loss and offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends."
Former Force quarterback Sami Grisafe dubbed Hundley "Cha Chi." Grisafe offered nicknames to many on the team, especially those who also were named Sam.
So why Cha Chi?
"Because it's hilarious and just fun to say," Grisafe said, laughing. "She always acted really, really Italian on the field, and that comes from an Italian. I'm a big fan of nicknames. [By giving out] nicknames, [I] hope people feel even more part of the family; it's an endearing thing, for sure."
Grisafe said Hundley's passing is a "major loss for anyone affiliated with the Force."
"I just wish I could have been there to do something, especially as teammates—because we're teammates on and off the field," Grisafe said. "I know the whole team sends thoughts and prayers to her family. We're going to miss her."
Jen Dulski played five seasons for the Force and now plays for the Boston Renegades, where she wears uniform No. 76 to honor late Force player/coach Veronica "Ro" Super. Dulski said she was Hundley's best friend on the team for two years.
Dulski said Hundley was a devoted Chicago Bears fan and the Seattle Seahawks were her second favorite team, solely due to the team's lime green colors. "[[Hundley] stood out in a crowd due to her relentless passion for bright bold colors and constant matching, which only she could truly pull off with any type of swagger," Dulski said.
Hundley had five brothers, Dulski said.
"She dreamed to become a nurse and help others," Dulski said. "She took random jobs and put her nursing plans on hold in order to take care of her most beloved uncle who passed last February [from] a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Throughout his struggle, she was there for him every moment, both physically and emotionally. She bathed him when he couldn't move, fed him when he couldn't get up to eat, drove him to chemotherapy for every appointment to just be there and held his hand, sang to him when he couldn't sleep, and cried with him when his tears and hopes ran dry.
"She was her family's rock when he passed, so brave and strong, and [yet she] kept so much of her grief inside so that others could cope but not a day went by she didn't deeply miss him. I watched a part of her die with him when he passed."
Dulski said Hundley was a "sports nuts", and added that she "dreamed big, laughed loud, loved crazy, and cried so passionately you would do anything to take away her pain."
Dulski added, "She lit up a room with her smile and when she loved you she never ever let you forget it. Her smile was contagious. Outside of her tough, sometimes cocky exterior, she had the sweetest soul that I'm blessed to have seen and known."
Adler Burns noted that Hundley had a passion for drinking Cherry Amp and/or Starbucks. Plus, she drank a lot of Mucho Mango Naked Juice. Burns added that Hundley "[was] always listening to music with her headphones up around her neck with one ear bud in.
