ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – For the past 15 years the Pierce High School volleyball team has held a summer youth camp to encourage a love of the sport, and given that many of the Bear greats have emerged from those experiences, it seems to be a recipe for success.
That tradition continued last Monday and Tuesday, as one of the largest groups of aspiring players ever took part to help lay the groundwork for the future of the Bear program.
With over 50 campers ranging in age from second grade to eighth, it was a challenge logistically at times, but in the end very worthwhile as Pierce coach Lauren Ornbaun explained.
“It’s great to see an increase in young players’ interest in the sport,” Ornbaun said. “We had the 6th through 8th grade group on our court and they showed that there is a promising future for volleyball at our school. They worked had and understand so much more than I did at their age. It’s exciting to see such young athletes have a knowledge of the game and its fundamentals.”
And while the young participants worked on passing, serving and hitting, from Ornbaun’s perspective, the current Bear team also gained something while leading the youngsters through the camp activities.
“I believe our players get a sense of community involvement an they see how this type of event comes full circle,” said Ornbaun. “For example, Charlie Wayman and Macey Myers are two girls that I got to help coach when I was in high school and working at the camp. Now I’m their coach and they are helping the campers.”