Summer volleyball camps help middle and high school athletes master skills

Johnathan Willis, Randolph's head volleyball coach, teaches a participant in the summer volleyball clinic.

After her first year of playing volleyball, 13-year-old Katlyn Layman wanted to improve her skills in the summer. Randolph College’s summer volleyball clinic gave her the perfect opportunity.

She is one of 15 girls who have been on campus this week to polish their setting, hitting, attacking and other skills to bring into their next volleyball season. Another summer volleyball clinic will be held July 18-21, giving more athletes the chance to learn from Randolph’s coaches, husband-and-wife team Johnathan and Rachel Willis.

“It’s nice to come to a place like this,” Layman said, who is from Forest, Va. “They correct what you’re doing and tell you what to do to get better.”

The volleyball clinic lasts four days, with two sessions each day to provide instruction and practice in specific skills and positions. Participants can sign up for exactly what they’re looking for, rather than attending a larger camp where coaches determine what training to provide, said Rachel Willis, assistant coach.

This is the second year that the summer volleyball clinic has taken place over four consecutive days rather than four days spread throughout the summer, said Head Coach Johnathan Willis. The new format provides more focused practice. “This is a lot more effective,” Rachel Willis said.

Sam Sublett '13 helps younger athletes master volleyball basics during the summer clinic.

The program is focused on the fundamental skills a volleyball player needs, said Sam Sublett ’13, Randolph’s new volleyball team captain, who is assisting with the clinic. She likes working with the younger athletes and hopes to inspire them to stick with the sport. “They’re going to look up to the players who are here now,” she said. “Maybe it will help them want to play on the college level someday.”

The summer volleyball clinic costs $30 per session, or $200 for all sessions. Athletes can register as late as the day the program begins. For more information on the clinic held July 18-21, see the Randolph College Athletic Department Summer Camps page.