PrepDig+: Inside College Volleyball Camps. Part 3

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-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_5b6ad5.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-571390" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure>   My dream has always been to be a collegiate athlete. I chose to attend the Oregon Ducks Setter Camp because I've always been a fan of the team, which runs a really fast offense. To be the best, you have to train with the best. My goal was to pick up skills to help speed up my game, and I received that and so much more.   The camp was exceptionally well-organized. We worked in small groups, making it easy to follow the techniques they were teaching. There were plenty of opportunities for reps, which is the best way I learn. On Day 1, Oregon's Head Coach Matt Ulmer demonstrated hand techniques. Cristin Cline, the team's setter, led most of the setting drills. It was helpful when staff corrected us during drills to ensure we were using proper techniques.   Working with Oregon's QB Cristin Cline was incredible. I picked up valuable tips on side setting, one-hand dumps, and setter defense that I'll continue to work on. Meeting Coach Ulmer and working with his team of athletes was awesome. If I had to pick my favorite part of the camp, it would definitely be playing queens with Cristin and Coach Jerry. Touring the University of Oregon's campus was also exciting—their track and field facilities were impressive, and being inside the Matthew Knight Arena gave me goosebumps.   My advice for other players is to figure out which schools you're interested in attending. If you follow a team or certain players who inspire you, attend their camp. Going to Oregon's camp was personal for me because I hope to play there someday.   Coach Ulmer gave us his email, and I intend to use it. My goal is to do everything I can to become the best volleyball player I can be. While working towards that goal, I plan to share my journey with him. As for the players, we exchanged emails and social media handles. 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_69b762.png?w=651" alt="" class="wp-image-571393" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure>   I attended the Women of Troy Elite Camp Setting Academy at the University of Southern California (USC). My sister is a USC alumna, so I wanted to explore and learn more about the USC volleyball program. I was also interested in attending because their coaches are some of the most talented and experienced in the sport. I jumped into the clinic hoping to gain knowledge on handling the ball more precisely and adjusting better to passes.   This Elite Camp helped me improve my consistency and increased my knowledge of the various ways I can handle the ball. The coaches were precise when explaining new concepts, making it easy to understand and implement them into my game.   The camp was memorable in so many ways. The girls who attended alongside me were so sweet and made the experience even more exciting and enjoyable. However, my favorite part was connecting with the coaches. Tyler Hildebrand, one of the head coaches at USC, is truly amazing. He took the time to learn every girl's name and accurately described the skills we were learning. Every coach was engaged, supportive, and communicative with each camper. I loved the immediate corrections and tips when I, or another camper, made an error.   One piece of advice I'd give to other high school players considering attending college camps is: do it! Attending camps not only gives you exposure but also allows you to learn about the game from the best college coaches and current or former athletes from that school. It is an amazing experience and opportunity to attend any of these college camps.   Every single coach at this camp was incredibly helpful! They know exactly what they're talking about and how to spot errors during play. I plan to attend some of their games in the fall and email them to keep up with the next steps in my volleyball career. 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_345004.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-571395" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure>   I was motivated to attend the ASU Camp because it's an amazing school with an equally amazing volleyball program. I have always been a big fan of ASU volleyball! By going to this camp, I wanted to build my connections with the coaches and players and learn how they play volleyball.   This camp taught me how to play a really fast offensive game of volleyball and, just as importantly, how to play against it. The camp helped me become an even better all-around player!   A memorable experience from the camp was getting to play with the college players and their 2025 commits. It was such a competitive and supportive atmosphere. It's so fun to play with so many athletes who have a competitive mindset.   My advice to other high school players considering going to a college camp is to do it! It's a great way to put yourself out there and show your interest in the school. For those going to camps, don't be afraid to be the first one in the huddle or the loudest person there. Talent can get you far, but coaches love to see players who lift their teammates to success. Be the person who stands out and is memorable! Always introduce yourself to the coaches!   I plan to keep in touch and continue communicating because communication is key! 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_cda357.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-571398" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure>   I attended the USC Prospect Camp. It has been my dream since I was a little kid to attend USC and follow in my family's footsteps. I love every aspect of the student-athlete life there and had so much fun meeting the coaches and current players.   Participating in this camp gave me additional opportunities to play at a high level, surrounded by the most dedicated coaches and players. The high intensity of reps and competition continued to push me to be a better player.   The entire experience was unforgettable—from playing in the Galen Center alongside the current women's volleyball team to meeting Coach Spencer and Head Coach Brad Keller. What stood out the most for me in the camp was listening to the student-athletes' stories and hearing how much they enjoy playing at USC, which only added to my desire to go there.   If you're thinking about attending a camp, just do it! You won't regret making new friends, meeting the coaches and team, and getting the experience of a lifetime while elevating your level of play.   I'm going to the home opener and plan to cheer on the amazing team I got to share this experience with throughout their season as they aim to enter the Big 10. I also plan to reach out to the coaches on social media. 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.