Clarkston varsity volleyball coach Kelly Avenall might have a very, very difficult time making cuts in several years. Interest in her sport might be at an all-time high, evidenced by the hoards of local athletes who took part at Clarkston High School’s recent volleyball camp.
Avenall said 109 kids from grades 5-8 and another 61 at the high school level recently took part in the camp, which focused on fundamentals for the younger players. Setting, passing and a bit of hitting were the main focal points of the camp for the middle school athletes who participated, Avenall said. The camp ran from June 14 through June 17 and there was a lot improvement over the short time span, she said.
‘A lot of them came in here playing that ‘backyard? style volleyball,? Avenall said with a small chuckle. ‘But now, (Thursday) they’re accurately passing the ball and doing the right things.?
The sheer numbers of the camp might have been the best part in Avenall’s view.
‘It’s a great way to build a program,? she said. ‘Some of the kids are here who might have already been cut, but they’re back at it trying again, which is great. And 30 to 40 of these kids might just be looking for something to do. Maybe this camp will generate enough interest in them an they’ll end up trying out.?
Chelsea Langen, an incoming eighth grader at Clarkston Middle School is a prime example of what Avenall is talking about.
‘I’m going to tryout this year,? she said. ‘I didn’t last year. I played soccer last year, but this year I’m playing a lot of volleyball on the beach and you see the older kids playing it and they have so much fun, so it makes you want to try it.?
Langen said the camp has helped introduce her to the basics of the games, but there is still a lot to master.
‘Setting is tough. Everything has to be just perfect ? the height of the toss, the power, your feet position ? everything,? she said.
Langen’s teammate in a two-on-two tournament, Breanne Timm, an incoming seventh grader at Clarkston Middle School, is also planning on trying out for the middle school team this year.
‘It’s just really, really fun to play. I play on a select travel soccer team, but the footwork in volleyball is a lot different. It’s more confusing I think,? Timm said.
Tryouts for the CHS volleyball teams begin in November while middle school tryouts take place in mid to late January, Avenall said.