September 19, 2024
Welcome to our exclusive interview with Naomi Lygas, a rising star in New Jersey’s high school volleyball scene. Naomi, a standout player for Princeton High School, has been making waves with her exceptional skills and leadership on the court. As a freshman, she quickly established herself as a key player, contributing significantly to her team’s success and earning statewide recognition for her outstanding performance.
Naomi’s accolades in New Jersey volleyball are impressive and she is just a junior. She has been ranked as the #1 player in her class in New Jersey, a testament to her hard work and talent. Her achievements include a 1st place finish in the World Mega Showcase in 16U. These accomplishments highlight her ability to perform under pressure and her commitment to excellence. Naomi’s success on the court is matched by her dedication to her academics, maintaining a high GPA while excelling in sports.
In addition to her high school achievements, Naomi has also made a significant impact in beach volleyball. Playing as a 5’10″ defender for Stars and Stripes Beach Volleyball, she has demonstrated her versatility and skill in different volleyball formats. Her communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to adapt to various playing conditions have made her a formidable opponent on the sand. Naomi’s experience with the Princeton Volleyball Club has further honed her skills, preparing her for the challenges of high school and beyond.
Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Naomi about her journey, her experiences, and her aspirations for the future. We’ll delve into her thoughts on teamwork and leadership, and her goals for the upcoming seasons. Join us as we get to know the athlete behind the impressive stats and hear her insights on what it takes to excel in high school volleyball.
Let’s get started!
Last year in 2023, you led a Princeton squad that finished 30-1 to a Group Championship while contributing 345 kills, 170 digs, and 50 aces as a sophomore. What are your expectations for your junior and senior campaigns?
A big expectation that I have for myself this year, as well as senior year is to never stop working. It’s been amazing being on such a talented team that has been so successful, and it is definitely a hope that I can carry that success into this season and so on. Meanwhile, it’s also super important to me that I don’t lose sight of my personal goals, in seeing improvement in my game.
Tell us about your decision to play beach volleyball in college at Tulane?
I’ve always wanted to play volleyball in college, and I was super fortunate to have been introduced to beach volleyball during Covid-19. Since then, it was a quick decision to decide I wanted to play beach volleyball in college instead of indoor. As for Tulane, during the recruiting process, I was given tons of opportunities that I really had to take the time to consider. The thing that stood out about Tulane was how amazing their academics were. And after seeing the campus and meeting the coaches I knew they would be a great fit.
Tell us about your family?
I’ve been an only child my whole life and live with my mom and dad. We used to have a dog, but unfortunately, she passed away last year (RIP Buddy). Without siblings, I spend a lot of time with my cousins and grandparents, who live at the Jersey Shore.
Tell us about your Princeton head coach Patty Manhart?
Coach Manhart is one of the most respectful, responsible, and intelligent coaches in New Jersey. Our team is super blessed to have her in our corner, as she always supports our dreams and listens to all her players.
You and the Tigers have opened up the season at 5-0, including a thrilling and convincing victory over perennial leader Southern. The schedule for 2024 takes no prisoners with top teams in NJ such as Old Bridge, Williamstown, and IHA on the grid. Can you repeat your Group championship and also finish #1 in NJ in 2024?
Repeating a Group Championship and finishing #1 is a team goal of ours, and I think we can 100% accomplish it. Just this past week, we proved that we could compete against those higher-level teams when we beat Southern. After having a great season last year, it put a target on us and switched our role from underdogs to the team to beat. Nevertheless, we continue to work hard, stay humble and healthy.
You had such major accomplishments last season in 2023 with a team led mostly on the attack by three sophomores (you, Kaelin Bobetich, and Charlotte Woods) along with junior setter Lois Matsukawa. With all those girls returning, can your team be even stronger than last season?
For being only 5 games into the season, I think we’re already stronger that last season. A lot of our players just finished another year of club, and we gained some new players that really elevate the level at our practice. We also all get along great, and the connection on the court is really fun to be a part of.
Tell us about your teammates and some of the individuals that will contribute toward the Tiger’s success in 2024?
The team this year is so full of talented players, and it’s a huge bonus that they’re all some of my best friends. On offense, a lot of our starters from last year like Charlotte Woods, Anya Haeberli, and Kaelin Bobetich will be returning and make a HUGE impact. We also have two sophomore middles, Carmen Barbosa and Sedona Arminio who have stepped up to fill the middle role. None of our offense would be possible without Pearl Agel (Captain), Camila Barbosa, and Zoe Nuland on defense. And of course, our setters Lois Matsukawa (Captain) and Joanna Hou complete our team and major contributions.
You are on pace to reach 1,000 kills for your high school career at Princeton. Is that one of your goals?
A lot of goals have changed as I got older and better but reaching 1,000 kills has definitely stuck with me since freshman year. Now that they’re changing the number of sets teams can play, I might have to make a new goal.
What professional field do you want to enter after college?
I really want to go into the medical field after college, specifically a sports orthopedic doctor. I’ve been around so many during my volleyball career, that it made me want to become one myself.
Which team do you feel will be your biggest competition in the BCSL?
There are a lot of good teams in the BCSL, and I think Notre Dame is one of the best. We’ve played them in the conference final the past 2 years, and they pull together a lot of really good players to form a strong team.
Tell us about your club experience on the hardcourt and at the beach?
I started playing indoor at Core Volleyball when I was 11. It was only one year after when Covid-19 happened, that I tried out beach. I didn’t take it very seriously until I was 13, when I joined a year-round beach program (Stars and Stripes) and switched to play indoor at Princeton Volleyball Club. I played at Princeton VBC for 3 years and met tons of amazing people, before quitting indoor club to focus on full-time beach last year. I’m forever grateful for all my coaches and their belief in me.
Who is your role model?
I have a few role models, but my mom is 100% my top. She’s the most selfless person I know, and I aspire to be as effortlessly perfect as her.
NJP feels you are the favorite for the NJ Player of the Year as a junior. Which players in NJ do you feel will be competing for that award?
I’m super grateful to be considered for something as big as NJ Player of the Year!! New Jersey is full of so many amazing players, and it’s so cool to see the sport continue to grow. We haven’t gotten too many games out of conference, so it’s hard to envision what that pool of players would look like. My team is playing in the Northern Valley Tournament for the first time, and we get to see some of the teams we don’t play, like Demarest, Old Tappan, and Sparta, who I’m sure have lots of amazing players.
Tell us about your leadership style?
I definitely try to lead by example. No matter who I’m playing against, I feel like it’s important to put your best foot forward. I also think that your mental game is just as important as your physical game, so a huge aspect I try to bring to my team is staying mentally strong and keeping the energy up during our games.
What else would you like us to know about you?
One of my favorite things about volleyball in New Jersey is getting to meet new people, and build a community with all of the teams, and I’m super grateful for the relationships I’ve formed!
