Instead of competing against each other, SPS volleyball coaches are working together to improve the sport in the city.
“We are so excited because it’s going to make our programs stronger in the long run,” said Hillcrest head volleyball coach Deirdre Smith.
The clubhouse in Northwest Springfield has been the home for the SPS future volleyball players Academy every Wednesday in the month of June; something Kickapoo head coach Marci Adams put into motion.
“Every high school coach in the Springfield area said they wanted to do it, and so that’s why we’re just all wanting to come together and help grow the game in Springfield, so that we can all be more competitive,” said Smith.
Players and coaches from every SPS school have come together to put this on for kindergartners through eighth grade, and it seems to be working.
“She came in not knowing anything about volleyball. I’ve seen her develop skills, and I’ve seen her really start to enjoy the sport so it’s been great to see,” said Jay Miller whose daughter participated in the academy.
“I mean even just in the first session alone from the beginning to the end, the growth was huge,” Smith said.
“I think I’ve actually gotten better at ball control and serving,” said camp participant Brownwyn Smith.
Improving the sport as a whole in Springfield starts here.
“Well I want to at least do until college,” Brownwyn said.
Serving up opportunities for Springfield’s future high school volleyball players–improving the talent pool for all of the schools at once.
