Let Them Know

At the start of academic year 2025-2026, the Salem State community gathered to celebrate healing and hope with the opening of the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Center, a first-of-its-kind space dedicated to student-athlete wellness, prevention and community. The center stands as a living tribute to Sam Cioffi, a standout men’s lacrosse player and VeSPY award winner whose life was tragically cut short by fentanyl poisoning in 2022. 

Sam’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. A transfer student from Beverly Farms and Marblehead, Sam quickly became a leader on and off the field. In his first season, he shattered the men’s lacrosse single-season scoring record with 55 goals, an achievement that earned him campus-wide recognition. But Sam’s legacy extends far beyond his record book. “He was a very engaging, honest young man who didn’t shy away from his story,” shared Nicolle Wood ’95, Salem State’s athletic director. “He spoke openly about how supportive everyone was, and how that helped him stay clean and become the best version of himself.” 

When Sam’s life ended suddenly, the Salem State community and Cioffi family channeled their grief into action, and the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Fund was established. The fund has since fueled vital wellness programming, providing students with resources and lifeskill development to help navigate the demands and opportunities they encounter on and off the field. 

Now, with the opening of the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Center, meaningful impact is visible in every corner. The center offers student-athletes a safe, supportive space where they can rest, refuel and seek help when they need it most. Inside, they’ll find a wellness lounge, confidential counseling spaces, a refueling station stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, and discreet access to resources like Narcan and fentanyl test strips—all made possible through donor support. 

Sam’s family has been deeply involved in shaping the center, ensuring that his story continues to inspire and protect others. Within the center, one wall incorporates the design of a tattoo Cioffi had that has become a rallying phrase for Salem State athletics in the wake of his loss: “Let Them Know You Passed This Way Once.” 

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Sam’s legacy now empowers every student-athlete who walks through those doors. Together, the Salem State community has turned tragedy into a source of strength and support for every student-athlete who follows.