This year, the volleyball team has been attending open gyms. The purpose of these open gyms is to be able to start the season early to learn more skills. The coaches strive to be able to work on blocking, hitting, passing, etc. The open gyms are currently being held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Many girls have been attending these optional practices in hopes of bettering themselves as players.
This is the first year of doing open gyms. This is because last year, the girls couldn’t gain access to the gym due to other sports conflicts. Although it is the first season doing open gyms, it is going very smoothly. The girls have already started working on skills such as serving, drop stepping, and many others. The girls hope that these skills will be able to help them throughout the season.
“ If consistency is met, open gyms will definitely help the team for the season to come,” Coach Ashley Harvey stated. “We hope to make progress in technique and knowledge of the very basics to build our foundation.”
The girls so far have really been enjoying being able to start their sport early, a few times a month, so that they can be sure to improve themselves as players. The girls all have hopes of winning more games, and being a better team altogether this year.
“I like the open gyms because it gives me extra practice. I want to improve on how I play, and get better with everything,” Presley Malsch (8), said. “I think it will benefit the team, because last year we got a late start, but this year we have gotten extra time so far. I like the open gyms also, because I get to be with friends, and have fun.”
Last year, the team for 7th grade, now 8th grade, only won two games. This year the coaches have hopes to become a more competitive team, and they believe that these open gyms could help that become the case. Although open gyms haven’t been held this past year, they have been held a number of years ago as well.
“I am hoping with having an open gym earlier and good attendance that we can introduce the fundamentals earlier allowing more time to be spent on teaching more advanced techniques and skills during mandatory practices. It will always be for the best when we can get the girls practicing volleyball skills and drills earlier. The more time spent on a task, the better you are going to be at completing that task,” Coach Melanie Smith stated.
Overall, the girls volleyball team is hoping to grow, and use the time they have available now in order to improve on skills that will continue to benefit them in the season that is quickly approaching.
