The MSU-Northern volleyball camps wrapped up four days worth of fun on Thursday. Skylights players mentored hundreds of aspiring female volleyball players who wanted to gain skills from collegiate athletes this summer.
New Media Broadcasters spoke to Skylights coach Jerry Wagner to ask about what he hoped his players would get out of the experience of coaching kids from third to fifth grade for three days this week and grades six through 12 four days this week with non-stop action.
“All summer long, (the players) are building their enthusiasm,” Wagner said. “They love the game. They had good coaches growing up and they love giving back to these kids at every level.”
“They’re just outstanding role models,” Wagner continued. “They understand that this is another chance to embrace the community and coach these kids up a little bit.”
“(The kids are) every age and everyone puts a smile on (the players’ faces),” Wagner said.
The Skylights will not be taking their foot off the gas pedal once camps wrap up. This Friday will be the first of two “Alumni Games”. When asked about why there are two instead of the usual one that takes place every year, Wagner said the demand for former Skylights players returning were through the roof. He also explained how the back-to-back weeks of competition will benefit his current squad.
“First of all, we’re having two alumni games because we have so much enthusiasm,” Wagner said. “Some can make it one weekend, some alumni next weekend, some both!”
“I just said, ‘We’re going to let everyone play that wants to play,'” Wagner continued. “It helps us greatly to entertain the veteran alumni players.”
“But for our kids, it’s a culmination. They’re ready to play,” Wagner said. “We’re not just starting up fall training camp.”
The first “Alumni Game” for MSU-Northern Skylights volleyball will begin on Friday at 7pm from the Armory Gym with the second one scheduled for one week later, Aug. 9 at 6pm in the same location.
