Three-Time Ivy Champs Welcome Skilled, Versatile Quartet Into Class Of 2022

The three-time reigning Ivy League champion Princeton women's volleyball team may return a team loaded with both talent and experience this coming fall, but that didn't stop the Tigers from bringing in a quartet of skilled players who could impact both the present and future of the program.

Two-time Ivy League Coach of the Year Sabrina King officially introduced the four members of the Princeton Volleyball Class of 2022 recently, and they bring a variety of talents — at a variety of positions — to a program that has represented the Ivy League at each of the last two NCAA tournaments.

"This is an exceptional class for Princeton Volleyball," King said of Cameron Dames, Grace Klepetka, Elena Montgomery, and Julia Schner. "These four standouts will definitely bring another level of athleticism to our team."

You can learn more about each player below.

Cameron Dames
Lib/DS • 5-9 • Atlanta, Ga.
Marist School

Before Princeton — two-time all-state honoree, including a first-team selection as a senior … led Marist to 2017 state championship with team highs in both digs and service aces; recorded more than 1,200 digs, 200 aces, and 700 kills over her career … led A5 Volleyball Club to several medals, including gold at the 2016 USAV National Championship and the 2016 AAU National Championship; qualified for USA Nationals Open Division four straight years … two-year team captain at Marist; team went 40-3 in 2017 and won second Georgia championship in four years … AAU Volleyball Academic All-American … PrepVolleyball High School Volleyball Academic All-American … Volleyball Senior Scholar-Athlete Award recipient at Marist … AP Scholar with Distinction … president of the Spanish Honor Society … National Honor Society member.

Personal — born Dec. 25, 1999 … daughter of Mark and Laura Dames … has a younger brother Kurt … enjoys reading, drawing, and painting … considering studying English or psychology at Princeton.

Why Princeton?
I wanted to find a school with great academics and athletics and immediately knew Princeton is the place for me!

King on Dames: Cameron is a rock solid defensive player who has played at the highest junior level for many years. What drew us to Cameron was her personality and ability to always stay calm under pressure. She will make an immediate impact after graduating our two top ball control players.

Grace Klepetka
OH • 6-0 • Allen, Texas
Allen

Before Princeton — selected to the all-tournament team at the 2018 Junior National Championships Open; team won bronze medal … won gold at both the 2012 and 2017 Junior National Championships Open … 2017 Prep Volleyball All-American … Prep Volleyball Supernova 2017 and 2018 … earned 2017 academic all-state honors … four-time academic all-district … National Honor Society member.

Personal — born Feb. 26, 2000 … daughter of Bob and Jodie Klepetka … has an older sister Kate, who played volleyball for both Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Texas Tech … enjoys drawing and swimming … plans to study mathematics at Princeton.

Why Princeton?
Princeton had the perfect balance of a strong athletic program with an outstanding academic curriculum.

King on Kleptka: Grace is the unsung hero of her teams. She does not always make flashy plays, but she always makes an impact on the court — a perfect pass, a clutch swing, a diving defensive touch … she does it all. She has played for the top club in the nation for the past two years, and her ability to thrive in tense situations will make her a fierce competitor from day one.

Elena Montgomery
OH • 6-2 • Franklin Lakes, N.J.
Ramapo

Before Princeton — earned the Volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year for New Jersey during her junior year … two-time first-team all-state, all-county, and all-group honoree; also earned three all-conference awards … led Ramapo to 2016 state championship … won bronze with GEVA High Performance team at USAV HP championships … invited to USAV National A1 Performance camp; also attended 2016 High Performance Region Prospects camp in Arizona … recorded 890 kills, 321 digs, 74 blocks and 89 aces over her career … two-time Ramapo captain and four-year club captain … also lettered in track & field … won both the Freedom League and Bergen County title in the javelin throw despite only joining track & field as a senior.

Personal — born May 21, 2000 … daughter of Leslie and Ken Montgomery … has an older brother Dylan … enjoys traveling and is certified in scuba diving … plans to study medicine at Princeton.

Why Princeton?
I absolutely loved the campus and the people I met there, as well as the volleyball team and program.

King on Montgomery: Elena is a phenomenal athlete and she has the ability to take over a game. We believe she has the potential to be the best outside hitter in league by the end of her Princeton career, and we look forward to the process of getting her there.

Julia Schner
MB • 6-1 • Boca Raton, Fla.
Spanish River

Before Princeton — reached the finals of the 2015 and 2016 Girls Junior National Championships; selected to the all-tournament team both years … 2017 Prep Volleyball Player to Watch … three-time all-conference honoree and two-time all-county selection … led Spanish River to a 2017 district title and a 2016 regional semifinal … earned team Offensive Player of the Year honor three times … earned 2014 Spanish River Impact Player of the Year honor … four-time AP Scholar Award recipient.

Personal — born Dec. 22, 1999 … daughter of Jeff and Wendy Schner … has a younger brother Sam … enjoys traveling and going to the beach … undecided on course of study at Princeton but considering politics.

Why Princeton?
Princeton offers the perfect balance between high academics and competitive athletics. The second I got on campus, I knew Princeton was where I wanted to be.

King on Schner: Julia is a top tier recruit who is offensively dynamic and defensively intimidating in the middle. She is also versatile and incredibly athletic, so she could play any front row position for us. Julia is a truly special player with limitless potential.

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