PrepDig+: Inside College Volleyball Camps. Part 1

As the buzz of the National Championships fades, the spotlight shifts to College Volleyball Camps, where prospects across the nation are hitting the road to visit campuses and gyms where they aspire to play one day. This is a thrilling time to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of potential future homes and to understand the coaches' philosophies and personalities. It's also a critical time to focus on the five steps to achieving success: Prepare, Research, Resume, Network, and Interview. Attending a college camp demands thorough preparation to ensure readiness to compete at a higher level right in front of college coaches. Research is key to identifying the best camps—those that align with your goals and have shown interest in your talents. These visits become valuable additions to your resume, enhancing your profile with attendance, pictures, and highlights. Networking reaches its peak as you engage with college coaches, their staff, trainers, and, most importantly, current players who offer genuine insights into the program's culture. The interview, the camp itself, is the ultimate test.   We spoke with some prospects about their camp experiences, and they shared invaluable insights.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_99accc.png" alt="" class="wp-image-570499" style="width:212px;height:auto" /></figure>   I was invited to attend Nebraska's Dream Team Camp. I was unaware it existed until my invite. The promise was to provide insight into the day of a D1 player, allow athletes to see how Cornhuskers train, and play with top athletes from across the country. I am 13 years old, and my camp exposure is limited. I have participated in Under Armour Next Middle School Camp, Georgia Tech's Camp, No EZY Bucket's Libero Skills Camp, A5's College Showcase, and Exact Camp College Showcase. My goal with Nebraska's Dream Team Camp was to see what it is like to actually train like a D1 athlete. I wanted to play with top players from across the country and hopefully learn new skill sets or improve my current skills. Nebraska's Dream Team Camp did not disappoint. Hands down, it was one of the most technical, efficiently run camps I have attended yet. The roster of talent—from across the country—was impressive. High-level play. Nebraska did its homework.   Coach John Cook was hands-on, involved in every stage of the camp. He provided instruction, along with Cornhusker players. It was really cool to get instruction from Coach Jaylen Reyes, Lexi Rodriguez, Harper Murray, and the rest of the team. We started at 8:30 a.m. and did not finish until 6 p.m. I learned some important pillars that many club players may not fully grasp. I am an outside hitter. Hitting is important, but if you cannot pass, you do not play at the collegiate level. We spent 40 percent of each day on passing, defense, serving, and setting drills. What I got from Nebraska's Camp is that no matter what position you play, if you get second touch, can you set? If you get first touch, can you pass? If you are the first to serve, can you dominate and score points from the serve? Anyone coming to this camp who can only play one position well will struggle. The game is calling for multi-dimensional players: passing first, serving second, setting third. Defense wins championships. Nebraska trains beasts.   I am just starting to aggressively use my top-spin serve. It is not always done right. I have been insecure when I fail in front of others, but I decided going into this camp that I came to learn, not to focus on things I already do well. The coaching staff was super supportive when I did my first top-spin serve. Cornhusker players started top-spinning with me and called me “Big Girl Serve.” Coach Reyes showed me where I could improve, and even when I served out or hit someone in the back of the head (yikes, sorry lol), he kept encouraging me to try. He gave me the courage and boldness to not be afraid to grow. That is why I came. I wanted to be uncomfortable and grow, and I did.   With my limited camp experience, all I can say is Nebraska's Dream Team Camp is for serious ballers. Your weaknesses will get exposed. Top players, many of them in high school, are hoping to get on the college's radar. They come to ball out. You have to have a fundamental understanding of the game: passing, serving, defense, blocking, setting, rotations. Are you willing to confront that and ask for help on how to improve? If not, the open camp might be a better experience. Serious ballers apply, and no, you don't have to be perfect, but you have to have the maturity to take feedback. Nebraska gives it freely and often. I loved it!   I plan to follow up with each college coach with a personal email. I have already tagged players on social media in videos I have with them. I don't want to become a nuisance, but I do want them to know I am grateful for their time and the knowledge they shared. I am most definitely sending each coach my upcoming 14U schedule, hoping they'll be interested in following my journey. I am inspired and realize D1 volleyball is a sacrifice. I want it! Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig         <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_4eb1c0.png?w=994" alt="" class="wp-image-570500" style="width:288px;height:auto" /></figure>   I attended the camp at Long Beach State in the summer of 2023. I enjoyed learning from the coaches, players, and staff so much that I decided to return this year. Compared to other college camps, this one was far more advanced. I loved how dedicated and enthusiastic the coaches were. They always kept us, the campers, on task and motivated throughout the program. My primary goal this year was to enhance my technical skills and elevate my game for the upcoming high school and club season. I also wanted to engage with high-level Division 1 volleyball coaches. Additionally, playing volleyball at the legendary Walter Pyramid added a fun and exciting aspect to the overall experience.   This camp has significantly improved my game. We were allowed to observe the Long Beach State Women's Volleyball team practice some drills and scrimmage. While they played, Head Coach Natalie Reagan explained the drills and broke down the mechanics of everything they did. This taught me a more complex way to play the game and strengthened my technique. It was fascinating to watch and analyze one of the best collegiate teams in the country.   One of the most remarkable experiences from the camp this year was playing on the top court for many rounds during the scrimmage tournament at the end of the day. It was an honor to play alongside Long Beach State Volleyball player Rhiann Sheffie and be trained by Sarah Vellucci and Natalie Glenn. These women made playing so much more exciting and fun.   My advice to other high school players considering attending college camps is to research the camp beforehand. This will help you determine if the camp is the right fit for you. I have attended many camps over the years and found some to be more suited for beginners. If you are looking for an advanced and high-level college camp, the Long Beach State Elite Recruiter Camp is a great option. Another thing to note is to attend camps at schools you are interested in, even if they are far away. These camps give you the opportunity to meet the actual coach of the school you want to attend and play for. It's not often you get to be on a court with the head coach of your dream school.   I plan to stay connected with the Long Beach State coaching staff through email and social media. Having the opportunity to engage with actual coaches is such a privilege. I plan to attend their camps next year and the women's volleyball games throughout the season. My goal is for them to remember Talia Mardrussian, libero #18. Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig         <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_3175da.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-570502" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure>   Something that motivated me to attend the Cal State East Bay Elite Camp was their prompt response to my email, inviting me to their camp. They are looking for a setter in my class and offer the potential major I'm interested in. Additionally, their conference is very competitive and one of the top in the country for Division II.   This camp helped improve my skills because I was setting quick and disciplined hitters, allowing me to run a fast offense. I also learned new names for different sets, which improved my understanding of the game.   My favorite memory from this camp was recognizing girls I play against in club and playing side by side with them.   Some advice I would give to players attending camp is to be loud and energetic. It's a great way to get noticed and show your personality as a player. Also, come in with an open mind and make sure to have fun!   I plan to do a follow-up email. I talked with the coaches after the camp was over and loved how they run their program. The current players were sweet, energetic, and funny, and I will make sure to include that in my email! Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig         <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_093b36.png?w=675" alt="" class="wp-image-570503" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure>   Attending the USC Prospect Camp was a dream come true! Growing up in a Trojan alumni family, I've always aspired to go to USC. I aimed to meet the coaches and players, get valuable reps before high school tryouts, and immerse myself in the incredible team culture—and I loved every moment!   Participating in the camp was incredible! It pushed me to a higher level of play and helped me transition to specializing in defense. The high-intensity drills and expert coaching on technique significantly improved my consistency and power. It was an amazing experience unifying with new teammates and getting those high-velocity reps!   Being in the Galen Center, learning from Coach Spencer, and meeting Coach Brad Keller was unforgettable! Meeting my favorite college players and hearing their stories as student-athletes was inspiring. A standout moment was filling in as a setter during Queens—it was thrilling to launch sets to some incredible outsides!   For other high school players considering attending college camps, my advice is to go in with an open mind and enthusiasm, ready to play any position. College camps are fantastic for meeting new people, getting great reps, and experiencing new coaching styles. Enjoy every moment!   I plan to follow up with the coaches and players I met by sharing video via email and stopping by to say hello after their games. I've already marked a few USC matches on my calendar and can't wait to cheer them on! Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stay tuned for more prospects sharing their insights about their camp experiences.</h2>   If you loved this article, make sure to follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.   By subscribing to PrepDig, you're not just supporting coverage of your favorite events – you're also helping to shine a spotlight on talented prospects.   To see even more events and athletes featured, spread the word and encourage your friends to subscribe to <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com</a>.   Let's keep growing this positive player platform and create unforgettable memories and experiences together with your support.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for being part of the journey!</h2>

As the buzz of the National Championships fades, the spotlight shifts to College Volleyball Camps, where prospects across the nation are hitting the road to visit campuses and gyms where they aspire to play one day. This is a thrilling time to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of potential future homes and to understand the coaches' philosophies and personalities. It's also a critical time to focus on the five steps to achieving success: Prepare, Research, Resume, Network, and Interview. Attending a college camp demands thorough preparation to ensure readiness to compete at a higher level right in front of college coaches. Research is key to identifying the best camps—those that align with your goals and have shown interest in your talents. These visits become valuable additions to your resume, enhancing your profile with attendance, pictures, and highlights. Networking reaches its peak as you engage with college coaches, their staff, trainers, and, most importantly, current players who offer genuine insights into the program's culture. The interview, the camp itself, is the ultimate test.