Boulder City High School volleyball coach Cherise Hinman had nothing but positive reviews for coaches from California State University, Stanislaus, who conducted the Lady Eagles’ annual summer volleyball camp for the first time Aug. 1 to 3.
“Top to bottom everything they did for us was well executed,” Hinman said. “I felt like our three-day camp was very beneficial to our girls and should help us out a lot this season.”
Noting the positive impact of having a collegiate staff run the Lady Eagles’ camp, Hinman saw a competitive spirit from her roster that she hope transfers into the regular season.
“Having California State Stanislaus definitely added some legitimacy to this year’s camp,” Hinman said. “Every year, obviously, the girls take our camp seriously because they’re working with collegiate coaches, but usually they’ve already stepped away from the game. Having a current staff in place who made the drive on their time from California I feel really opened some of the girls’ eyes and brought out some much-needed intensity.”
Running the Lady Eagles through game situations and scrimmages, the Stanislaus staff gave Hinman a clear indication of the talent she’ll have available this season, with team tryouts Monday.
“I have to thank the coaches for providing our girls with a great gamelike atmosphere,” Hinman said. “With tryouts coming up, we really got a good look at who can fill out roles for us on our bench and who will really be players for us this season.”
First-year varsity hopeful Aimee Finn said she is excited about her senior year after the positive learning experience.
“I’m really hopeful to not only earn a roster spot this year, but to make an impact,” Finn said. “I feel like the coaches of California State Stanislaus have made me a better player, helping me pay more attention to detail. It was a great atmosphere the past few days, with everyone just trying to compete and get better together and individually.”
Junior captain Maggie Roe was similarly pleased by her experience.
“I thought our team camp went great,” Roe said. “Camps are always an awesome way to learn new things about volleyball and bond with your teammates. The coaches of California State Stanislaus definitely provided us with that experience and we had fun.”
After the camp, several Lady Eagles attended the Long Beach men’s team and coaches camp at Green Valley High School, where they competed with and against a handful of Division I powers, including Green Valley and Arbor View. In addition to Finn and Roe, participants included seniors Kenadee Bailey, Cortney Blumenthal, Lexi Bringle, Alea Lehr, Tara Spinkelink and Jules Worral and junior Jerra Hinson.
“Fresh off of our team camp, I feel the girls showed they belonged in a larger setting,” Hinman said. “Not only did they learn more to improve their games, but they showed they can compete with just about anyone. The past few days have really been key for our program and will help us kick off our season the right way.”
Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.