Kimball volleyball hosted Gold Medal Squared volleyball camp

Kimball High School hosted the Gold Medal State volleyball camp July 9 through July 12 with 19 student athletes attending from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including one eighth grade student from Arizona, Caroline.

The camp is geared for players from eighth grade all the way to senior level athletes.

"I chose Gold Medal Square because I love the way they teach it (the game)," Coach Jeri Ferguson said. "They make it simple, not complex, so it fits wherever you are at with the game."

On that first day the group struggled to maintain a positive attitude.

"In the beginning, our attitudes were not great," Freshman Payton Wise said. "By the end, we all came together and had fun!"

Kimball seniors Madison Wynne, Kiersten Anderson and Desyree Nelson addressed the entire group on Wednesday morning, concerned about the impact a negative attitude can affect. The senior leaders stated what they enjoyed about each individual throughout the week and commented on specific improvements. That afternoon the athletes' positivity had grown.

"It was really nice to work with my teammates and to come together as a team, not just individually," Wynne said, "Many learned that on the court we are not individuals, we are a team."

Leadership and personal skills weren't the sole focus of the camp. Coaches began the first day with a focus on passing. They began with a drill named Exchange, which allowed coaches, Spencer and Ali'i, to gauge where future focus was needed throughout the week.

They found passing amongst the players was a weak spot and that focus was carried out through the final day of camp, with drills on jump serving, hitting approaches, covering, blocking and setting as well.

Setters were brought in earlier than other athletes to work on their skills before camp began and each day concluded with fun games such as Queen of the Court and Doghouse. Players enjoyed the games, improved their skills and learned new ones.

"It was amazing to see some of the younger girls improve throughout the week," senior player Madison Wynne said.

To continue bonding and growing as a team, on the last day, the team went out for lunch at Dairy Queen. There they shared stories and laughter as memories were made.

Overall camp went very well for everyone! According to Coach Ali`i, "Everyone improved tremendously. I think now they're aware of how they need to act and be on the court."