Isabella High School’s volleyball teams received training from Auburn University’s volleyball coaches at their opening camp on Wednesday, July 30.

Seventh through twelfth grade volleyball players gathered in Isabella’s gym on Tuesday and Thursday to learn techniques such as serving, passing, setting and blocking.

Chuck Crawford and Stephanie Klefot of Auburn University brought positivity and extensive knowledge of the sport to the players of Isabella.

“We just really want to invest in local schools and in the sport of volleyball,” Crawford said. “There is a lot of young talent at Isabella.”

Crawford said he and other coaches from the university spend two weeks each summer doing “satellite camps” to teach fundamentals and share their love of volleyball with young players in Alabama.

“This group had a lot of spunk,” Klefot said. “I think the camp went really well.”

Coach Glen Graham commended the Auburn coaches for their patience and enthusiasm during the two-day camp.

“The Auburn crew was very positive and upbeat,” Graham said.

With three weeks until their first game, Graham said he was feeling optimistic about the upcoming season.

“We’re getting close to where we need to be,” Graham said.

The teams begin their daily practices next week.

“I’m glad that we decided to have the camp at the end of the summer instead of at the beginning, like usual,” Graham said. “We’ve been doing work-outs, and now we’re ready to really fine tune our skills.”

The team kicks off their season Aug. 28 at home against Holtville.