When you meet Samantha Roman, the first thing you notice is her radiant smile and the second is her boundless creativity. A proud Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) athlete from Glendale, Samantha is not only a seasoned competitor in soccer and athletics, but also a multi-talented artist whose work is as vibrant and joyful as her personality. She’s part of a close-knit group of teammates who call themselves “The Cheetah Girls” a name that reflects their fierce spirit, fast moves, and unbreakable bond. Together, they bring energy, laughter, and sisterhood to every practice and competition.
This year, Samantha takes center stage as the Featured Artist for the 2025 Fall Games Championship, and her story is one of inspiration, inclusion, and imagination.
“I like all arts,” Samantha shares. “Ceramics, painting, embroidery… I work with buttons and beads, yarns, and even do abstract ocean pieces.”
Her favorite color? Pink. Her favorite theme? Animals and nature. Her favorite feeling when creating? Happiness.
Samantha’s artistic journey began at Tierra del Sol, a community-based program that nurtures artists of all abilities. There, she’s not only a creator but a helper, assisting fellow artists, including those with visual impairments, with their projects. “I help my friend with her needlework,” she said proudly. “I like helping artists.”
Her work is deeply personal and often inspired by her surroundings. One standout piece, a ceramic lotus, was born from a visit to the Lotus Festival with her parents. “It’s handbuilt,” she explained. “My mentor helped me glaze it with fall colors.”
Another piece, a hook punch artwork of a mama and baby, symbolizes mentorship and support, values Samantha holds dear.
But perhaps her most whimsical creation is the rainbow unicorn design she made for NFL star Tyler Higbee’s cleats as part of the My Cause, My Cleats campaign. “Be a unicorn,” she said with a giggle. “It makes me happy.” When asked how Special Olympics makes her feel, she answered simply: “Magical.”
Samantha’s art has been showcased in galleries, sold to collectors, and now, will be featured at the Fall Games, a first for her. “I’m very excited,” she said. “It’s my first showcase at the Games.”
Beyond the canvas, Samantha is a fashionista and model, having strutted the runway in a fashion show wearing designs by her friend Alandra. “I’m her muse,” she said with pride. “I love walking the catwalk.”
Her passions extend to music; she’s a devoted Swiftie, having attended Taylor Swift concerts twice and to her family, especially her sister Molly, whom she calls her best friend. Samantha also loves animals, dancing in the car, and traveling (Hawaii is a dream destination).
As an SOSC athlete for over 20 years, Samantha embodies the spirit of inclusion. “It means being part of something,” she said. “My teammates are like my sisters.”
Her message to others?
“Be happy. Art is a fun thing to do.”
At the 2025 Fall Games, Samantha Roman’s art will do more than decorate, it will inspire. Through color, texture, and heart, she reminds us all that creativity knows no bounds, and that magic lives in every brushstroke.