By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
NILES - Area volleyball players and coaches were treated to a special three-day camp at Brandywine and Niles high schools this week.
Erikka Gulbranson, coach of the USA Girls Youth National Volleyball Team and Alexis Crimes, member of the US National Team were in town to provide training in various skills to volleyball players.
The morning session for grades six to eight was held Monday through Wednesday at Brandywine High School.
The afternoon session, for high school players, was held at Niles High School.
A coach's clinic was also held Monday and Tuesday evenings.
The coaches were taught how to plan practices, execution and tempo. They were also shown the intricacies of skill training progressions that are used by all levels of USA Volleyball.
The players learned the same style of volleyball skills that are being taught to the national teams.
Those included a new style of passing.
Gulbranson said that she has gotten a positive response to the new technique.
Coaches participated in their clinic instead of just watching Gulbranson and Crimes demonstrate. They too, were excited about learning.
The players were excited about learning from Gulbranson and Crimes.
Dowagiac's Olivia File and Cassopolis' Becky File also were excited about working with Gulbranson and Crimes.
Brandywine coach Gary Whitney was pleased with the camp.