Ivy Champion Volleyball Team Welcomes Experienced Trio As It Chases NCAA Return

After leading her squad to consecutive league championships and a return to the NCAA Tournament, reigning Ivy League Coach of the Year Sabrina King is well aware that her team will be a target for the rest of the league next season.

She also knows that Princeton will have some big holes to fill, especially with the loss of two-time Ivy League Player of the Year Cara Mattaliano and three-time All-Ivy middle Brittany Ptak.

King has shown the ability to find and develop young talent — she had three freshman starters on the 2016 Ivy championship team — and she is excited about the next trio to join the Princeton volleyball family. Lauren Flaming, Clare Lenihan, and Alexa Underwood will all be freshmen for the Tigers during the upcoming 2017 season.

"All three of our incoming freshmen play on top national club programs," King said. "Their experience and volleyball IQ will be a huge asset as we continue to strive to stay atop the Ivy League."

Here is more information on the incoming Class of 2021"

Lauren Flaming
5-7 • Libero/DS • Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
The Bishop's School

Before Princeton — 2016 All-CIF selection … two-time all-league honoree … helped The Bishop's School win one CIF title and reach the CIF finals another year; team also won three league titles … selected to the Union Tribune "Players to Watch" list as a senior … led her team in digs during junior and senior seasons … named to the PrepVolleyball.com "Defensive Dandies" national list … holds the girls' record at helped The Bishop's School for hang-clean (165 pounds) and front squat (225 pounds) as part of the strength & conditioning program … team captain … two-time selection to the Union Tribune All-Academic Team … member of the National Spanish Honor Society … earned first place in the National Spanish Examination … competed in the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Economics Competition… chair of high school Rady's Children's Hospital Committee.

Personal — born March 18, 1999 … daughter of Carolyn and Darryl Flaming; mother played volleyball at San Diego State … has a younger brother John … enjoys horseback riding, skiing, and beach volleyball … considering studying Economics at Princeton.

Why Princeton: Princeton has a great balance of high academics and competitive athletics
and I can't wait to be a part of its college community.

King on Flaming: Lauren is a gritty defensive player. She makes unreal reflex plays on defense and is steady on serve/receive. She is always working hard and making those around her better. We are excited to see Lauren work into our defensive system.

Clare Lenihan
6-2 • Middle Blocker • Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Chadwick

Before Princeton — selected to the 2014 USAV Girls Youth National Team; played in USA Volleyball camps three years … two-time All-CIF selection … two-time Prep League MVP; also named to the All-Prep team as both a freshman and sophomore … named to the Daily Breeze all-area team every year of her high school career (first-team selection in 2015 and 2016) … led Chadwick to two Prep League championships … team reached the 2015 Div. 2AA CIF final … recorded 30 kills in her final postseason match … two-time Daily Breeze SoCal Prep Legend of the Week … two-time captain at Chadwick; captain for club team (Mizuno Long Beach) … also lettered in track & field and tied the school high jump record … member of the National Chinese Honor Society.

Personal — born Feb. 13, 1999 … daughter of Meg and Joe Lenahan … has two older brothers, James and Jack … enjoys volunteering, traveling and backpacking … considering studying psychology at Princeton.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because of the strong community feel, both in the volleyball program and on campus. Princeton will provide me with a great balance between volleyball and academics.

King on Lenihan: Clare is a fantastic player. She is a versatile hitter, has a great arm, and brings an added level of physicality to the net. She will compete to start right away as a middle blocker, but also has experience on either pin.

Alexa Underwood
6-0 • Outside Hitter • Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Mira Costa

Before Princeton — earned Prep Volleyball All-America Special Mention … named to the Prep Volleyball Academic All American Second-Team … earned First Team CIF Division 1 honors … Co-Player of the Year in her area … two-time Girls Junior National Championships all-tournament team selection … named the Bay League Most Outstanding Player as a senior … led Mira Costa to consecutive Bay League titles … won a bronze medal at Girls Junior National Championships with Sunshine Club Team (2015) … competed at Junior Nationals four years, as well as in the CIF Open Division State tournament … earned All-Southern California club honors three times … served as captain for both her high school and club teams … lettered two years in basketball and earned All-Bay League honors … earned Principal's Honor Award … named Best Delegate at UCLA conference 2016 as a member of the Advanced Model United Nations team … member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Personal — born Sept. 17, 1998 … daughter of Craig and Susan Underwood; father is a member of the Princeton Class of 1986 … has two younger sisters, Sami and Nikki … enjoys traveling, art history, and volunteering … interested in studying political science at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Why Princeton: I chose Princeton for the amazing academic experience, competitive Division I volleyball, and beautiful campus. I also love the team's family-like culture and can't wait to be a part of it.

King on Underwood: Alexa is a competitor who is very used to high-level competition and thrives under pressure. She plays six rotations and is a crafty hitter. Alexa's determination and intensity on the court will make an immediate impact on our team.

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