PrepDig+: Inside College Volleyball Camps. Part 4

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_6a9404.png" alt="" class="wp-image-572608" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure>   I was fortunate enough to attend the USC Prospect Camp last summer and loved it! I decided to return this year for two days because I truly enjoy the coaching staff, the players, and the program. The USC volleyball team is incredible, and working with them inspires me with their skill, knowledge, effort, and level of play. My goals for camp were to improve my game, prepare for tryouts, learn new techniques, make new friends, and get to know the coaching staff better.   I'm very grateful for the coaching I received over the two days. I was lucky to work with Coach Tyler Hildebrand and USC setters Mia Tuaniga, Emily Fitzner, and Allie Hazelwood on my setting skills. They taught me how to be more grounded, which helps me use the ground and my legs more when I set. This gives my sets more power because I use my entire body, not just my arms. I worked on my go, red, and one sets with the hitters. After camp, I talked to Coach Tyler Hildebrand and Coach Spencer McLachlin about getting more distance on my go sets and effectively setting threes. They gave me great tips to take back to my team practices.   One of the coolest moments was when my team played on center court at the Galen Center. It was amazing to be in such a big arena playing volleyball. It helped me understand what it would feel like to play at USC. Another memorable moment was touring the campus. It was beautiful, and I could see myself as a student there one day!   Be yourself, be confident, and be a great teammate. Be loud and cheer on other players. Be kind to everyone on your court and make friends. Listen to the coaches and take their feedback because they're trying to help you improve. Be ready to work hard and go for everything!   I plan to follow up with the coaches by sending thank you emails after camp and keeping them updated on my progress during the season. I will continue to follow the USC coaches and players on social media and hope to watch them play in the fall. It's important to me to keep these connections strong so they'll remember me when I return next summer! Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.           <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_dca4d3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-572611" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure>   I wanted to attend this camp because I've always dreamed of going to UCR and hope to gain more college exposure. I attended the Advanced Prospect Camp by Nike at University of California, Riverside from July 16-18.   I struggled with serving, but Coach Aerielle and player Sydney helped me improve. They showed me how to get my toss in front of my hitting arm and use slicing techniques to make my serve flat and short. This will help me score points from the end line!   One standout moment for me was Coach Cannon's coaching style. He said, "Play free," encouraging us to have fun and not play scared. This mindset helps us learn from our mistakes and become better players.   I believe everyone should experience at least one camp. They are incredibly fun, and I've learned so much from them! My favorite part is meeting new people who share my passion for volleyball.   I plan to send lots of emails to get on their radar! 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_7fb6af.png?w=576" alt="" class="wp-image-572612" style="width:181px;height:auto" /></figure>   I attended the University of Southern California Prospect ID camp because USC has a top-tier coaching staff and notable alumni like Skylar Fields. I wanted to attend this camp to develop into a more versatile player.   Participating in this camp gave me the experience of being coached by high-level players and coaches. Everyone was engaged and eager to help us grow. I worked on skills beyond blocking and hitting, like passing, which has really improved my overall play.   Watching Olympic beach volleyball players scrimmage and staying overnight were standout moments for me. After dinner, we watched Sarah Hughes and her partner scrimmage another team before heading off to Paris for the Olympics. It was an incredible experience to see that in person. Being on the USC campus was also amazing; the campus is stunning, and the dorms were comfortable.   Definitely make yourself stand out. Chat with coaches, players, and other girls at the camps. Be loud, don't be shy, and be a presence on the court. Support everyone and make connections.   I'll definitely be emailing the coaching staff. All the coaches and players I met had great energy and were very easy to talk to. 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_ef2208.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-572617" style="width:229px;height:auto" /></figure>   I was motivated to attend the Florida Atlantic University Elite Skills Camp because I've always felt a connection to Florida. This camp provided a college-level practice experience and showcased the training they do at FAU.   At this camp, I was eager to learn different skills to run a more effective and efficient offense. I learned new techniques for creating a more balanced offense and different drills I can do on my own to constantly improve my game.   The best part is always the friends you meet and get to know. Camps are also a great chance to connect with coaches. A highlight for me was definitely the 6 v. 6 play—it was very competitive and a lot of fun.   Some advice I would give to another high school player attending a camp is to be yourself, have fun, keep an open mind, and be coachable to new techniques and ideas.   I plan to stay connected with coaches and other players by connecting on social media, sending emails, and catching up with them at tournaments. 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.