Volleyball continues to gain popularity

MADISON-  At a time when participation in some sports is declining, volleyball is surging in popularity among young girls. Around 50 girls attended the Bob Jones volleyball camp last week held by Bob Jones Head Volleyball Coach April Marsh.

“It’s encouraging to see this many kids come out and attend camp. They are working hard to get better,” Marsh said. “The youth program in the rec league started like seven years ago and that exposes kids at an earlier age to playing the game. Club volleyball is popular here also. Most of these kids start playing in the fourth or fifth grade.”

Marsh and her staff make the camp fun but the kids are serious about learning the game.

“The kids are here on time and working hard. They want to get better. They are receptive to coaching. They are here to listen and get better. You can see improvements over the three days.”

April Marsh

Marsh was assisted by some of her varsity players. Alana Cox, Savannah Brown, Juanita Monteiro-Pai, and Karmahn Hall were among the varsity players helping at the camp.

Among the elements of the game being coached were serve, net play, dig, set, and blocking. The kids were divided by age and skill level. Marsh had both gyms going with campers.

Her own varsity team will begin to take shape over the next three weeks as they practice for about 3 hours a day. The team will have a camp at Bob Jones with former Middle Tennessee coach Matt Peck and staff on July 11.

“We have some team bonding activities planned also but we are not taking them to Birmingham to play dates,” Marsh said.