U-M Student-Athlete Spotlight: Amanda Flayhan
12/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Following the signing of U-M's third recruiting class, all nine members are being featured in a student-athlete spotlight, breaking down each future Wolverine, on and off the field.
Amanda Flayhan is a three-time varsity letter winner (2012-14) and will play her final season at John Jay High School (Cross River, New York) this spring. The right-handed midfielder will enter her senior campaign with a total of 116 goals and 74 assists.
As a junior in 2014, Flayhan tallied 57 goals and 34 assists as a team captain. Following the season she was named an All-League, All-County, All-Metro and All-Section selection. She was also a member of the MSG Varsity All-Hudson Valley/Westchester first team and an Under Armour All-American, becoming the second player in school history to earn All-America honors as a junior.
As a sophomore in 2013, Flayhan tallied 42 goals and 36 assists and helped lead her team to the New York State semifinals and the Section I championship. She earned All-League, All-County and All-Section accolades following the season. At the conclusion of Flayhan's freshman season on varsity, she received John Jay's Most Improved Player award.
Flayhan was also a four-year varsity letterwinner (2012-14) and captain (2014) of the volleyball team at John Jay. As a senior, she led her team to the New York State Final Four, en route to earning All-League, All-County and All-Section honors.
Flayhan is also a three-year New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete and three-year member of the Honor Roll (2012-14).
ACCORDING TO AMANDA
 | Amanda Flayhan Midfield Waccabuc, N.Y. John Jay High School |
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
"What first attracted me to Michigan was its highly-recognized academic reputation. I have always wanted to go to a big school with tons of successful sports teams. Finally, a degree from the University of Michigan will open many doors, and will help me in my professional endeavors in the future."
What are your thoughts about continuing to help Michigan build its women's lacrosse program?
"I am beyond excited to be joining a team that is a relatively new program. But, before I leave Michigan I want to help transform it to a team that will compete for a NCAA championship."
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
"I love the electrifying atmosphere in Ann Arbor. Since the beginning, I have always wanted to attend a big school with high intensity for both athletics and academics. There is a vibe at Michigan that makes me want to excel academically and athletically."
What is your favorite lacrosse moment of all-time?
"Hands down, my favorite memory was making school history by winning a sectional championship my sophomore year. We were playing our archrivals, which previously had beaten us twice in the season. We were the underdogs and every blogger was betting that our rivals would prevail. Proving everyone wrong and winning the title was a feeling I will never forget."
How did you first get involved in lacrosse?
"All of my good friends played lacrosse and I played softball. They would always talk about how much fun it was, and finally in seventh grade I 'crossed over' and immediately fell in love with the game. Ever since then I could not get enough of this game."
Do you have any talents or hobbies that you're willing to share?
"If I get within two feet of someone I can wiggle my eyes really fast ... it freaks people out."
Who is your role model, and why?
"My parents are my role models because they have given me the confidence to reach for the stars, maximize my potential and strive to be the best person that I can."
What do you enjoy doing when you're not playing lacrosse?
"I love playing volleyball, going to amusement parks and going on random adventures. I also enjoy water sports like waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing, and of course, some quality time at the beach."
Favorite food ... 8 oz. Filet Mignon, cooked medium
Favorite band/artist ... Beyoncé
Favorite movie ... Miracle
Favorite TV show ... Keeping up with the Kardashians
Favorite book ...The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Favorite subject/class taken ... Philosophy
Favorite professional athlete ... Derek Jeter
Favorite place to visit/vacation ... Antigua
Favorite sport besides lacrosse ... Volleyball
Favorite holiday ... Christmas
• Previous Spotlight: Gabby Burns
