9-5-25

Senior standout prepares for final high school campaign before heading to Tulane for beach volleyball

Naomi Lygas stands at the net, her 5’10” frame commanding attention as she surveys the court with the confidence of a player who has already left an indelible mark on New Jersey high school volleyball. Now entering her senior season at Princeton High School, Lygas carries the weight of expectations that come with being the driving force behind one of the state’s most dominant programs.

The numbers tell only part of her story. Through 65 sets last season, Lygas racked up 318 kills while adding 175 digs, 105 service points, and 37 aces. But statistics, impressive as they are, don’t capture the leadership and determination that have made her the cornerstone of Princeton’s championship aspirations.

“As a senior this year, my biggest goal since freshman year is to reach 1,000 career kills,” Lygas explains, though she acknowledges the challenge ahead. “Unfortunately, I faced some offseason setbacks with injury that might make my goal difficult. However, I’m motivated to reach it no matter what it takes.”

That resilience has defined both Lygas and the Princeton program under head coach Patty Manhart. After capturing back-to-back state championships, the Tigers entered this season ranked in the top five by njpowerranking.com despite graduating key contributors. The pressure of pursuing a rare three-peat could overwhelm lesser programs, but for Princeton, it represents the natural progression of sustained excellence.

Building Championship Chemistry

The foundation of Princeton’s continued success lies in the chemistry between its core players. Lygas, alongside fellow captains Charlotte Woods and Kaelin Bobetich, forms a triumvirate that has grown up together in the program. Their connection on the court reflects years of shared battles and mutual trust.

“As captains, Charlotte Woods, Kaelin Bobetich and I have played together for years so that we can build off of each other to help support everyone including each other,” Lygas notes. “Personally, I plan to lead by example this season by playing the best I can with good energy and confidence.”

Woods, a rising senior had 174 kills in 63 sets last season, providing a reliable offensive complement to Lygas’s dominance. Meanwhile, Bobetich has emerged as Princeton’s most versatile weapon, contributing 193 kills and 30.5 blocks while maintaining steady defensive numbers with 122 digs. Lois Matsukawa orchestrated the offense with 592 assists, but she has now moved on due to graduation. Sophomore middles Carmen and Camila Barbosa have stepped into larger roles.

Conquering Championship Moments

Last season’s march to the state title showcased Lygas at her finest. Her 345 kills led a Princeton squad that finished 30-1, but it was her performance in the biggest moments that separated her from other elite players. The victory over perennial power IHA stands as a testament to both her individual brilliance and the team’s collective resolve.

“There were so many good highlights from last season, and our match against IHA is one of my favorites,” Lygas recalls. “I still rewatch that game because of how competitive it was. We prepared a lot going into it, so to come out with the win proved that practice and film really do pay off.”

That attention to detail has become a hallmark of the Princeton program under Manhart’s guidance. The coach’s willingness to adapt and incorporate player feedback has created an environment where continuous improvement becomes second nature.

“Coach Manhart’s preseason approach has been super helpful,” Lygas explains. “After scrimmages, she asks us for feedback that she implements into our practice plans, that way we are always getting better. After 2 weeks, there is already so much improvement in how we play, communicate, and celebrate on the court.”

The Three-Peat Challenge

Pursuing a third consecutive state championship presents unique challenges. The target on Princeton’s back has grown with each title, transforming them from underdogs to the program everyone aims to defeat. Rather than buckle under the pressure, Lygas and her teammates have embraced their role as the hunted.

“Our main goal is definitely a 3-peat state championship,” she states with characteristic directness. “With so many newcomers on varsity this year, it would be amazing to help them get their first ring, and the program’s 3rd state title ever.”

The path to that goal runs through a gauntlet of elite competition. Princeton’s non-conference schedule includes traditional powers designed to prepare them for the postseason crucible. Early season victories have validated their approach, but Lygas knows the real tests lie ahead.

“Some of our toughest competition definitely lies out of conference, since we work to fill our schedule with as many competitive matches as possible,” she notes. “This really helps us prepare for playoffs, and I’m excited to see how far we go this year!”

Embracing Change and Growth

This season’s Princeton team features several new faces in the starting lineup, creating both opportunities and challenges. The integration of younger players with established stars requires the kind of leadership that Lygas has developed over her four-year career.

“This year looks a little different with new faces on the court, but I feel like we’ve already built so much chemistry,” she observes. “Our team looks like we’ve been playing together for an entire season, not just 2 weeks.”

That chemistry extends beyond the court statistics. Princeton’s record in 2024 of 28-1 reflects not just individual talent but collective commitment to excellence. The team’s ability to maintain focus while incorporating new elements speaks to both the program’s culture and Lygas’s influence as a senior leader.

“There are a few switch-ups in our line-up that might shock some other teams this year,” Lygas hints. The big hitting right side Kaelin Bobetich will be getting the honors to orchestrate the offensive attack at setter. “Even though it may look very different from last year, I hope fans still expect the same energy and skill that we bring to each game. Teams may underestimate us this year but we’re super excited to prove we can still compete at the highest level!”

Beyond High School

While pursuing her 1,000th career kill and a third state championship, Lygas also looks toward her college future at Tulane University, where she’ll transition to beach volleyball. The decision to pursue Division I beach volleyball represents both a culmination of her indoor success and the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

“As for competing at the next level, I’m so grateful to be verbally committed to Tulane University for Division 1 beach volleyball!” she explains. “Playing in college is a dream come true and I’m so thankful for all of the opportunities I received to do so. And Tulane feels like the best of both worlds to get an amazing education at the same time!”

Her beach volleyball experience with Stars and Stripes has prepared her for the different demands of the sand game, but her high school achievements have built the foundation for success at any level.

The Final Campaign

As Princeton continues its pursuit of unprecedented success, Lygas remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead. Her leadership style, built on leading by example and maintaining positive energy, has created the culture necessary for sustained excellence.

“Going into this season, I’m carrying that mindset forward,” she says, reflecting on lessons learned from previous championships. “I think if we keep that same focus for every game, I’m excited to see everything we can accomplish this year!”

With 318 kills last season and a career total approaching four digits, Lygas has established herself as one of New Jersey’s premier players. But her greatest legacy may be the championship culture she’s helped establish at Princeton, one that promises to endure long after her final match.

The road to a three-peat runs through the remaining regular season games, conference tournaments, and state playoffs. For Naomi Lygas and Princeton volleyball, the destination remains clear. The journey, filled with the challenges and opportunities that define championship seasons, promises to showcase the best of high school athletics.

As she prepares for this final chapter of her high school career, Lygas carries not just individual aspirations but the hopes of a program that has redefined excellence in New Jersey volleyball. The three-peat remains within reach, and with leaders like Naomi Lygas setting the standard, Princeton appears ready to claim its place among the state’s greatest dynasties.