Elizabeth Henderson, center, returns the ball to Marysville High School player Danielle Jarvi, left, while MHS spiker Maddie Brown looks on. Participants in the Lady Monarch youth volleyball camp have learned drills and fundamentals during the three-day camp that concluded today.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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The 2017 fall volleyball season is fast approaching.
A number of girls in the Marysville School District, however, got a head start in the sport early this week.
The annual Marysville Lady Monarch youth volleyball camp concluded its three-day run today at the high school field house.
The camp was under the direction of first-year high school varsity head coach Bethany Bentz and featured instruction supplied by members of the Marysville High School program.
There were a total of 50 girls in grades 3-8 who participated in the camp during two separate sessions. Students in grades 3-5 were on the court for a morning workout, while older girls participated during the afternoon.
“This year’s numbers were an increase over previous years,” said Bentz, who held a position as MHS assistant coach prior to becoming the head coach. “In the past, we averaged about 25 to 30 girls.
“We are pleased with this year’s increase, but we hope it continues to build in the coming years.”
Bentz said the spike in the number of campers reflects a trend she has heard from around the state.
“Participation in volleyball is increasing in just about every school,” she said. “It used to be that girls didn’t begin playing until they reached middle school. Now, girls are starting to play when they reach the third or fourth grades.”
Members of the MHS program taught younger girls the various fundamentals and drills associated with the sport.
“The younger girls learned more about the fundamentals, while the older ones were started on the system we use with the high school program,” said Bentz. “With the older girls, we emphasized transition on and off the net, serve receptions and defense.”
Bentz began Tuesday’s camp with what she considers the most important part of the game, which is passing.
“Without good passing,” she told the campers, “we can’t do anything. We can’t get the ball to our setters. They, in turn, can’t get the ball to our hitters. We have to start with good passes.”
Bentz, who will begin her first preseason as the Lady Monarchs’ head coach next week, said enthusiasm for volleyball is growing in the local area.
“We want to continue to build the passion for volleyball, specifically Monarch volleyball,” she said. “Our high school players were once in the shoes of these young campers. By having them work as coaches this week, it has allowed them an opportunity to give back to the community.
“Our campers are learning and having a great time,” said Bentz. “That’s what it’s all about.”