PICKENS — The Pickens Recreation Center was the center of activity for another two sessions of volleyball as 78 campers participated in varying age groups from July 6 through July 9.
Twenty-three girls in grades two through fourth attended the morning sessions and another 55 girls from the fifth grade through eighth grade attended the afternoon sessions.
Staff members Erikka Chapman, Nikki Anthony and Lexi Albright assisted Camp Director Peggy Anthony in Session 4, while Katie Gowan, Annika Jones, Karlee Underhill, Davis Hendricks and Cassie Gravely joined the staff for Session 5.
As instruction was given in fundamentals and team play, the staff emphasized respect for all, effort on every ball, team spirit and communication. The “Pro” division worked on advanced skills such as jump serving, back row hits, middle up defense and 4-2 international offense incorporating specialized positions.
The camp, a continuing program throughout the summer, organized by Peggy Anthony, has stressed fundamentals and tactics to all age groups over the five sessions held thus far, with players of all ages learning the basics and expanding on that knowledge.
“As instruction was given in fundamentals and team play, the staff emphasized respect for all, effort on every ball, team spirit and communication,” Anthony stated. “The ‘Pro’ division worked on advanced skills such as jump serving, back row hits, middle up defense and 4-2 international offense incorporating specialized positions.”
With the success of high school volleyball in the area over the last several years, especially with the Lady Blue Flame of Pickens High School, interest in the sport is blooming and summer camps are credited with much of that success.
Award winners for the sessions were:
4 on 4 Champions
Second to fourth: “All-Stars” — Amber Chapman, Kaylyn Watson, Britain Dunn, Natalie Miller
College: “Southern Servers” — Nevaeh Harden, Destanie Abney , Lydia Jones, Ansley Reid and Hannah Campbell
Pro: “Mockingbirds” — Savannah McCollum, Kathryn Ross, Kayla Oberstar, Maggie Sizemore and Hannah Jordan
6 on 6 Champions
Second to fourth: “Bombers” — Amber Chapman, Chloe Gilstrap, Lauren Reece, Kaylyn Watson, Tayla Church, Cheyenne Newton and Anna Claire Durham
College: “Super Seven” — Maeve Jones, Lydia Jones, Caroline Robinson, Calie Covey Kenzie Holcombe, Tristen Harris and Anna Beth Duncan
Pro: “Carolina Fury” — Bailey Earnhardt, Hannah Jordan, Kelsey LeCroy, Savannah McCollum, Maggie Sizemore, Ellison Batson and Asia-li Aartun
All-Stars
Second to fourth: Amber Chapman, Ivy Freeman, Karlyn kHolcombe, Lauren Reece, Emily Belcher, Chloe Gilstrap and Daileigh Pilgrim
College: Amber Chapman, Lauren Dow, Regan Powell, Tensley Gowens, Alaino Craigo, Hannah Campbell, Destanie Abney and Calie Covey
Pro: Ali Pace, Asia-li Aartun, Brandi Wilson, Kelsey LeCroy, Lexi Albright and Olivia Dow
Bumping Champion
Second to fourth: Amber Chapman
College: Alaino Craigo
Pro: Maggie Sizemore
Setting Champion
Second to fourth: Amber Chapman
College: Alaina Craigo
Pro: Bailee Earnhardt
Serving Champion
Second to fourth: Ivy Freeman
College: Lauren Dow
Pro: Lexi Albright
Coaches Award
Second to fourth: Maci Clare Sickels
College: Gracie Alexander
Pro: Savannah McCollum
Leadership Award
Second to fourth: Ivy Freeman
Pro: Kelsey LeCroy
Most Improved
Second to fourth: Alyssa Whiteside
College: Ansley Reid
Pro: Kathryn Ross
Hardest Worker
Second to fourth: Karlyn Holcombe
College: Shelby Parvis
Pro: Ali Pace
Most Outstanding
Second to fourth: Amber Chapman, Tensley Gowens
Pro: Lexi Albright