PRINCETON, N.J. — The Princeton University women’s water polo team has announced the program’s Class of 2026.
Shanna Davidson
Huntington Beach, Calif./Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos: Senior captain who led the team in goals, assists and ejections drawn … All-League twice … Division II First-Team All-CIF … Coaches Award … Lettered in swimming … Rookie of the Year in water polo and swimming … Certificate of Excellence for COVID Learning … Scholar Athlete … Sunset Conference All-Academic Team … PTSA Academic Award twice.
National/Club: Junior Olympics All-America four times … Junior Olympics MVP in 2016 … US National Development and Cadet three years.
Personal: Daughter of Robin and Robert Davidson … Has two brothers.
Why I chose Princeton?: I chose Princeton because of the experiences that I would get both academically and athletically. The experiences are totally different than anything I have ever known and I’m excited for it.
Princeton head coach Derek Ellingson on Davidson: “Shanna started as a center but has transition to the quarterback on her teams. Luckily, she has kept all the skills from her previous position to make her a dual threat in the offensive end. Shanna is also a great lock down defender on the inside as well as the perimeter where she can showcase her game knowledge and anticipation to the fullest.”
Ava Houlahan
Laguna Beach, Calif./Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach: Senior captain who led the team in scoring, assists and steals … First-Team All-CIF Open Division … First-Team Surf League … Team won the Sunset League three times and the D1 CIF SS title twice … Squad won the state crown in 2020 and was runner up twice … Team MVP … Lettered in swimming … Set the school record in the 200m relay … Sunset Conference All-Academic Team all four years for water polo and swimming … Principles Honor Roll all four years.
National/Club: Four-time All-America at the Junior Olympics highlighted by two first-team honors in 2016 and 2018 … 16U Junior Olympic Champions in 2019.
Personal: Daughter of Katie and Mike Houlahan … Has a sister and brother … Plays water polo at Princeton with sister, Grace … Grandfather, Michael, played football at Yale University … Great Grandfather, Bill Calderwood, played football at Northwestern University.
Why I chose Princeton?: I chose Princeton because the University allows me to play my sport and indulge in an amazing academic experience. The family and culture of the Princeton water polo drew me to the school while the unrivaled academic opportunities made my decisions clear.
Ellingson on Houlahan: “Ava is a super standout from powerhouse Laguna Beach. She did everything for her teams especially guard the opponent’s best player. Ava has a wonderful shot along with speed and should be a special.”
Sophie Johnson
Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Senior captain who was First-Team All-League and Second-Team All-CIF in 2022 … Earned the Nick Johnson Award … Lettered in swimming … All-Academic … National Honor Society … Distinguished Don Award.
Personal: Daughter of Karen and Berkeley Johnson … Has three older brothers … Parents rowed at the University of California-Los Angeles … Aunt, Stephanie Geoffrian, rowed at Princeton … Brother, Nicholas, played water polo at the University of California-Santa Barbara … Grandfather, Duncan Gregg, rowed professionally.
Why I chose Princeton?: I chose Princeton because of its welcoming environment and challenging academics. I wanted somewhere where I could feel comfortable but still learn new things every day. I just felt happy when I was on campus, and I think that’s what’s most important when you’re looking for a place to spend the next chapter of your life.
Ellingson on Johnson: “Sophie is a utility player that can play everywhere in the pool. She is strong, fast and has a good shot. Sophie has that intangible of a nonstop motor and a willingness to learn and improve.”
Lindsey Lucas
Orinda, Calif./Miramonte
Miramonte: A senior captain who produced 163 saves and a .710 save percentage … First-Team All-League and League’s Most Outstanding Goalie … Team went undefeated in 2021 and won the Diablo Athletic League, North Coast Section, and state titles … Lettered in swimming … California Scholarship Federation … USA Water Polo All-Academic three times … 49ers Ca-Hi Sports North Coast Section Scholar Athlete of the Year.
National/Club: Four-time Junior Olympics All-American highlighted by First-Team accolade in 2021 … Futures Super Finals Top Goalie … U.S. Club Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP) … Member of the U.S. Youth National Team in 2020-21, traveling to Greece … Also a member of the Cadet National Squad.
Personal: Daughter of Darla and Steve Lucas … Has two brothers, Daniel and Ben.
Why I chose Princeton? “I chose Princeton because I wanted to get the best education and I loved everyone that I met at the school when visiting. I know it is a place where I will be able to be myself and find a sense of belonging.”
Ellingson on Lucas: “Lindsey is a great goalie out of the national pipeline that will be able to solidify our defense after the departure of Isabel Zaller to graduation. She will be able to step right in and produce. Lindsey has all the necessary skills to be another incredible goalie at Princeton. She is quick off her hands, holds her legs well and moves quickly across the cage.”
Alyssa Woolley
Aldgate, South Australia/Seymour College
Seymour College: Led the team in goals and steals … School’s MVP award twice … Lettered in swimming … Debate Team … School band … Academic Distinction three times … State Merit Award in Biology … Australian Math Competition Distinction.
National/Club: Member of the Adelaide Jets and Australian Youth Team … Team was A Grade State Champions and went undefeated … Coaches’ Award.
Personal: Daughter of Jennifer and Trevor Woolley … Has an older sister and older brother … Mother, Jennifer, played Netball … Sister, Katherine, and Cousin, Margaret Gayen, run track for South Australia.
Why I chose Princeton? “Princeton offers incredible academic opportunities and has a strong emphasis on the undergraduate education. Princeton also has a perfect balance of high academic standards and highly competitive water polo, allowing me to compete with a top team while pursuing my education. For these reasons, Princeton was my first choice. Additionally, everyone I have spoken to at Princeton has been so welcoming, really making me feel at home. As an international student, I am excited to experience a new culture and connect with a diverse range of people.”
Ellingson on Woolley: “Alyssa is a center defender from Australia that has performed on the highest levels in her home country. She plays in the National League for the Adelaide Jets, plays in her age group of Juniors and is in consideration for Senior team. Alyssa will be asked to guard over here as well along with playing big minutes on the offensive end of the pool, showcasing her arm strength.”
Release courtesy Princeton University Athletics Communications
