Coupeville High School volleyball players bond at a team camp in Bellingham. (Photos courtesy Cory Whitmore)
The heat is on.
With current summer temps at least slightly warmer than before, it’s the perfect time for volleyball players to fine tune their skill sets.
The Coupeville High School spikers showed up and showed out in Bellingham this week, with 11 Wolves participating in a camp run by Western Washington University.
The chance to get floor time, and build a team bond while doing so, is huge.
“As always, Western Washington runs a terrific team camp,” said CHS varsity coach Cory Whitmore.
“We have developed a strong relationship with them, and it is really beneficial to visit them year-after-year.”
Six of 11 Wolves were making their debut at the WWU camp.
Seniors Alita Blouin, Maddie Georges, Taygin Jump, Ryanne Knoblich, and Jill Prince were joined by junior Grey Peabody and sophomores Mia Farris, Jada Heaton, Katie Marti, Madison McMillan, and Lyla Stuurmans.
“I was incredibly impressed with the group’s ability to handle the strains of camp,” Whitmore said.
“It was much more about learning to communicate productively and blending the group than any one particular skill,” he added.
“With that in mind, I’m really happy with our consistency – the communication strategies worked, and the energy remained high.”
Another day, another round of spikes.
While Whitmore and Coupeville JV coach Ashley Menges were on hand, the duo allowed WWU players to largely take the reins, while giving Wolf players a chance to fend for themselves a bit.
“Coach Ashley and I did a lot of stepping back to let the group problem-solve and look to each other for strength and stability and I’m really encouraged by our growth in that area,” Whitmore said.
“They can be very proud of a hard-fought week that will provide them with a strong foundation to build upon in the fall.”
While all of the Wolves had a well-earned moment or two in the spotlight, Knoblich was chosen to receive the Camp Coaches Award.
“Ryanne has grown so much in a year’s time and really anchors a lot of responsibility on the team now,” Whitmore said. “So, we were so happy to see the coaches recognize the impact she has on this team.
“Definitely looking forward to our fall season.”
On to fall!
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