VERSAILLES – More than 60 girls in the fifth through eighth grades attended Versailles’ youth volleyball camp last week.
The three-day camp was split into two sessions with fifth and sixth grade girls in the first group and seventh and eighth grade girls in the second.
“They did really well,” Versailles volleyball coach Kenzie Bruggeman said. “It was good to see the progression, especially the fifth and sixth graders.”
Many of the girls, especially in the younger group, came into the camp without much volleyball experience. So for the fifth and sixth graders the camp focused on basic drills that were slowed down to teach them the fundamentals of volleyball.
For the seventh and eighth grade girls who had more experience there were more game-like situations and tightening up of the skills they already possessed. They also were able to play more six-on-six games and be more competitive.
“I’m excited for their season,” Bruggeman said of the junior high girls.
Along with teaching the girls about the game of volleyball, Bruggeman also had the girls take part in some team-building games that were designed for fun and to increase communication.
“That’s always fun to throw in to keep it light and fun,” she said.
Throughout the week Bruggeman was joined by her high school volleyball players in leading the camp.
“That’s always so beneficial for them to be there,” Bruggeman said. “I think sometimes they don’t realize how big of an impact they have.”
Having the high school players be a part of the camp was really special for the younger girls.
“You could just see the little girls’ eyes light up,” Bruggeman said.
