For Clarkston volleyball coach Kelly Avenall, there have been several changes in her sport since taking over for Gordie Richardson almost five years ago. Changing faces, rule changes and, most recently, a change in the entire season volleyball will be played during next school year. Some things that will never change, however, are the fundamentals Avenall is trying instill in incoming players.
Avenall, with the help of Clarkston players past and present and coaches from the school’s volleyball programs, taught about 130 girls from fifth through 12th grades at the Clarkston Volleyball Clinic June 11-15.
‘It’s a great opportunity for everyone to work on skills,? she said.
The youngest group, fifth-eighth graders, worked on passing and serving, while the older girls, ninth-12th grade, worked to develop team skills such as serve reception, defense and communication.
‘We really break down a lot of skills,? Avenall said.
The experience can be crucial for girls at a young age who haven’t been shown proper techniques to play the game, she said.
‘For young players, this might be the first time they’ve played the game correctly and they will learn how to be aggressive,? Avenall said.
New this summer, Avenall, coaches, and volunteers divided into different workstations, which made for more one-on-one instruction. Having instructors not far removed from their playing days at Clarkton proved to be a great help, Avenall said.
‘It’s fun to see them in that atmosphere. As a coach, I’ve only seen them as players. Now the shoe is on the other foot,? she said.
‘They give the students better images. It helps them to visualize the skills.?
Fifteen-year-old Maralyna Doyle, who played with the freshmen squad last season, was excited to see her teammates after having been away from one another during AAU travel season.
‘It’s fun to come back and work with other people,? she said.
The clinic is an annual affair for Katelyn Coates, who will be a senior next year and played varsity volleyball for Avenall in the winter. Coates made her fifth trip to the camp after entering the summer after seventh grade.
‘I like seeing who’s coming out for next year’s team. It gives me an idea of how we’re going to be for the season,? Coates said.
Shadowing former Clarkston and current collegiate players is a draw for Coates.
‘I like seeing the older graduates. They all went to college and played. I like playing with them and getting to know them,? she said.
Although the five-day camp didn’t need to be altered to accommodate for volleyball’s realignment in the fall season, there was an added importance now that the season begins following summer vacation.
‘A couple months down the road, we’re going to be jumping right back into it,? Avenall said.
‘Before, this (camp) was to keep in shape over the summer. Now it’s a lot more important,? Coates said.
Clarkston volleyball try-outs begin Aug. 13 after conditioning the week prior.
Avenall noted that unlike the high school level, the middle school season still begins in January and is played during the winter as usual.