June 4, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The past two weekends, South Carolina’s volleyball program hosted a sand volleyball camp on the campus, helping players who are more interested in the outdoor game to get the specialized instruction that is needed for success. Over 20 players each weekend came out and received instruction from Gamecock players and staff, as they conveyed the differences from the indoor setup.

Players, ranging from ages 13-18 and coming from South Carolina and neighboring states like Georgia, North Carolina and even Florida, started with some of the basics, learning the jumping mechanics used on the sand, while also picking up more tips that could help them in either variety they play. The students also got work on all aspects of the game, including digging and setting, which should help them indoors as well.

“With sand volleyball coming on as a Division I sport in a couple of years, we feel that the University of South Carolina, not to mention the Southeast, can be at the leading edge of this exciting addition to women’s collegiate athletics,” said Gamecock assistant coach Damian Elder, who led the beach camp. “These camps are just the first step in growing this sport locally and regionally, and I couldn’t be happier with how big a first step this was for the 46 girls that participated.”

The different drills and workouts helped players advance their skills quickly to where they spent the second day of the session playing the game in different settings. The final session after lunch was a tournament so players could put together everything they had learned.

While beach camp offerings are done for the summer, there are still spots available in the different indoor camps offered throughout July. Check out www.somerasportscamps.com to sign up today.