Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Rising Men's Volleyball Power Welcomes Three Into Class Of 2014
May 26, 2010 | Men's Volleyball
As Penn State head coach Mark Pavlik reflected on the recently completed 2010 EIVA final, a closer-than-the-scoreboard-indicates 3-0 win over Princeton, he spoke of how a young Tiger squad could be the team hosting the 2011 Eastern championships. Head coach Sam Shweisky is hoping a talented trio of incoming freshmen can help Princeton to that goal next season.
Brad Howard, Jeff Stapleton and Davis Waddell will comprise next year's freshman class when Princeton tries to build on its surprising run to the 2010 EIVA championship match. Princeton graduates five seniors this year, including multiple-year starters Carl Hamming (rightside) and Jeff McCown (middle). Both served as co-captains this season, while McCown earned first-team All-EIVA honors after a career-best season.
Bios for the trio of new freshmen can be found here; below the articles is a brief postgame video following Princeton's first EIVA final since 1998. The team and individual trophy presentation and clips from the press conference are included.
Brad Howard6-5 • MB/OPP • Los Altos, Calif.
Mountain View
Before Princeton — led Mountain View High School to 2010 league championship, the first in school history … earned 2010 first-team all-league and MVP honors … helped Bay To Bay Volleyball Club to trio of Top 10 finishes in UVAVB competitions; team went 80-5 over the last five seasons … two-time team captain at Mountain View … named tournament MVP of 2009 Aptos Volleyball Spring Fling … earned all-league honors in 2007 and 2008 … selected to the USA A1 Select Camp in 2007 and A2 Select Camp in 2008 … named 2007 league outstanding freshman … earned 2009 Mason Guild Award for Outstanding Community and Team Building and American Literature Award … Spartan Award for Scholastic Achievement and Attitude in the Classroom honoree … member of the California Scholarship Federation … MVHS Scholar-Athlete.
Personal — born April 8, 2010 … son of Steve and Eileen Howard … father is in sales management; mother is a homemaker … has two younger sisters, Brittany and Chloe … interested in engineering and economics … enjoys remote control planes, coaching, golfing and surfing.
Jeff Stapleton
6-2 • OH • San Jose, Calif.
Bellarmine Prep
Before Princeton — led Bellarmine Prep to four straight league and section titles; program was ranked as high as sixth nationally on ESPNrise.com … played for Bay To Bay Volleyball Club since he was 13 years old; teammate of Brad Howard … helped club to trio of Top 10 finishes in UVAVB competitions; team went 80-5 over the last five seasons … 2010 league MVP … earned first-team all-league and all-section honors … named Junior of the Year by the San Jose Mercury News … named MVP of the 2009 Dos Pueblos 35-team tournament … student body president … acted in school production of Romeo and Juliet.
Personal — born Sept. 10, 1991 … son of James and Kim Stapleton … father is a CMO at the Fenwick & West law firm; mother is an office manager … has a younger brother Christopher … interested in economics … enjoys playing the guitar, music and reading.
Davis Waddell
6-5 • S • Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Mira Costa
Before Princeton — helped Mira Costa High School to No. 1 ranking in California and No. 2 ranking in U.S. during 2010 season … moved from setter to middle after injuring his thumb prior to 2010 season; has also played middle and opposite … has played for Riptides Volleyball Club. Southern California Volleyball Club, Manhattan Beach Surf and Beach Cities Volleyball Club … earned first-team all-league honors in 2009 … named to all-tournament team at 2009 Redondo Varsity Classic … led club teams to two top-five finishes at Junior Olympics between 2008 and 2009 … captained his 16's club team.
Personal — born Jan. 21, 1992 … son of Bill and Abby Waddell … father is an attorney; mother is a real estate agent … has a younger brother Keith … interested in economics and public policy … enjoys basketball, fantasy sports and music.