Underwood Of Manhattan Beach To Join Duke Volleyball Program

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Mira Costa High School volleyball star Nikki Underwood of Manhattan Beach is joining the 2021 Duke University volleyball squad in the fall, according to a news release.

"It gives us great pleasure to announce our incoming class in 2021," said Coach Jolene Nagel. "We're excited for this group to join us! They're an athletic group who all play for highly regarded and nationally competitive club teams. We look for them to join our group and work very hard to understand and enhance the positive culture currently in place. Their athleticism and skill sets are going to contribute to a very competitive practice gym."

Underwood played at Mira Costa High and for the Sunshine Volleyball Club South Bay as a 5-11 outside hitter and defensive specialist. In 2020, she was elected a captain of her high school team and earned a second-place finish with her club team at a Southern California Volleyball Association (SCVA) tournament. In 2019 as a junior, Underwood was named the MVP of the Santa Barbara High School tournament and earned all-tournament team honors at the Dave Mohs Tournament. She participated in the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship and was honored as part of Prep Volleyball's February Class of 2021 Watch List. Additionally, Underwood has participated in multiple national qualifiers and junior national championships throughout her career.

"Nikki is an excellent six rotation player who we look to bring us ball control and defensive depth," said Nagel. "Her volleyball IQ will challenge her teammates daily."

Underwood is a model scholar-athlete having made the honor roll the last three years with an unweighted 4.0 GPA . She also possesses a robust community service resume which includes hosting fundraisers for Homefront America, a non-profit group supporting American military families. In addition, Underwood has been an active volunteer with the Friendship Foundation.