Instead of on the Gulf Coast, the Thorsby volleyball team is spending time in a sweltering gymnasium.

Coach Ginger Williams brought in players and coaches from Samford University to run a camp Wednesday and Thursday.

It was the first time representatives from a college program have spent time with the Rebels since Williams took over. In the past, the team has traveled to Gulf Shores for a team camp, which would include practice games against other varsity squads.

“They hear us all the time,” Williams said. “I love the idea of having some good coaches in here teaching them the same things. We hope they say, ‘If they’re doing it [at Samford], maybe we do need to pay attention.’”

The camp was organized after Williams had a conversation with Samford assistant James Hanger at a coaching clinic at Montgomery Academy.

“We want to build our relationships with the Alabama high schools—get to know the coaches and get to know the programs,” Hanger said.

More than 30 players are involved in THS volleyball from varsity down to middle school, and 23 participated in the camp.

“We want girls to leave camp absolutely in love with volleyball and feeling like they’ve learned a lot in two days,” Hanger said.

Also helping with the camp were Samford head coach Derek Schroeder and several Samford players.