At the University of San Diego (2022-25)
Spent four seasons across town at USD where he appeared in 21 matches (four starts) and helped USD win four WCC Championships… Saw the most action in 2024 when he appeared in 15 matches, made four starts and totaled 430 minutes… Had his first career assist against the Aztecs (Aug. 26, 2024)… Appeared in one match in 2025, five matches and 97 minutes in 2023 and redshirted in 2022… Was All-WCC Academic Team Honorable Mention in 2024.
High School/Club
Played for LA Surf SC registering five goals and 11 assists… Attended Crespi Carmelite High School… Had one goal and six assists as a freshman and two goals and seven assists as a sophomore… Was a All-Mission League Second Team selection as a sophomore… Was an AP Scholar with Honors.
Personal
Born in Santa Monica, Calif. to Haleh Birhandi-Tsipena and Firas Tsipena… His mother is Iranian… He is a dual citizen (US and Jordan)… Speaks Farsi and French… Lists Steven Gerrard and Kobe Bryant as his favorite athletes… Was a double major at USD (Finance and real estate) and is working towards a Master of Science in Information Systems at SDSU… Chose to transfer to SDSU because of the “quality and pedigree of the Athletics department, to play in the Pac-12 and the quality of life in San Diego.”
Coach Hopkins’ Take
“Sami is a clean, possession-oriented midfielder who operates best as a connector and keeping attacks flowing. He has a great understanding of spacing and angles to support play which makes him a very reliable presence in the middle of the field. He is also very good at blocking passing lanes defensively and with his work rate winning most of his defensive duels.”