On tap with ... Brandon Denham

Every week, the ‘Prince’ sits down with a different athlete to find out more about their life on and off the field. This week, junior setter Brandon Denham of the men’s volleyball team braves our questions.

Q: What was your first welcome-to-college moment in volleyball?

A: We had a team meeting with the captains my freshman year. We all bonded over scones and watched “Side-out,” one of maybe three volleyball movies ever made (the others are “All You’ve Got,” featuring the always-hot Ciara, and “Cloud Nine,” starring Burt Reynolds and a charming cast of strippers).  Few people know this, but “Side-out” was actually nominated for three Oscars.

Q: What would you say has been the greatest highlight of your sports career — at Princeton or before?

A: Last year we made it to the EIVA Final Four, which means all members of last year’s team are now proud owners of the EIVA Final Four T-shirt, my greatest achievement in volleyball thus far.

Q: What is the funniest story you can tell about a coach?

A: Our coach is a strictly business, zero-sense-of-humor kind of guy.

Q: Most embarrassing moment with the team?

A: Showering. It’s not my fault, everyone is like 6’5” or taller.

Q: Best part of being an athlete?

A: Pretty much everyone knows me, respects me and worships the ground I walk on — except the vast majority of campus that doesn’t realize how utterly exciting a men’s volleyball match can be. If you haven’t been [to one], we encourage you to come and tell the players on the other team exactly what you think of them.

Q: And the worst part of being an athlete?

A: Getting around all the NCAA gambling rules so I can participate in March Madness. Erin McDermott, I’m lying.

Q: Who gets the most guys/girls on the team?

A: Harsha Dante, he is the self-proclaimed Delhi Destroyer. I don’t know why he calls himself this, but every girl I’ve ever asked understands. I’m his roommate so I can attest that every Thursday and Saturday night he brings home someone new.

Q: Pre-game ritual?

A: Generally, in lieu of warming up, I rub Bengay all over my body.

Q: What music gets you pumped up before games, if any?

A: Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”

Q: Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

A: Pretty much my entire Raffi library, including “Baby Beluga” and “Banana Foam.”