Honoring Sam Keller

Samuel “Sam” Louis Keller was born in Washington, DC to Scott and Gayla Keller (West) on August 24, 2005. He attended St. Louis Catholic School, Georgetown Preparatory School and completed his sophomore year at The University of Louisville in Kentucky. Sam was a tremendous young man who at an early age overcame the loss of vision in one eye to become a multi-sport varsity athlete and served as captain of his wrestling team.  He developed a deep passion for both 15’s and 7’s rugby early at Prep where he played as a flanker. Dedicating himself to his team and his sport, Sam served as varsity captain of the team and went on to play at the collegiate level for the Division 1-AA national champion University of Louisville Cardinals. In addition to his rigorous school and sports commitments, Sam loved spiritual and community service. He was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at UofL.  Prior to college, his love of history drove him to serve on the student advisory board for Mount Vernon Estate and ever mindful of the blessing of sight, Sam was a dedicated volunteer as a Sight Guide for Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Virginia since the age of thirteen. 

Sam died on Friday, July 17, 2026. In his twenty years, his flame burned bright, living a life that exemplified the Jesuit tradition of being a man for and about others. His love of family and community was clear for everyone who experienced his passion for rugby - evident in his loyalty to his team, discipline in training, and joy in the love of the game. The Sam Keller Foundation for Youth Rugby is a way for those who were inspired by Sam to enable his passion to continue as a positive force in the world.