The Thorsby Rebels held a volleyball summer camp on June 11 and 12 that focused primarily on passing and serving.

The camp is something that head coach Leighsa Robinson has scheduled each summer since taking over the program a couple of years ago. It aims to help the players that make up the current squads.

Former University of Alabama and University of Montevallo head coach Judy Green has led the camp the past couple of years.

“This group of kids has worked hard during the camp,” Robinson said. “They work hard, listen and do what we ask them to do. That puts them a step ahead of the game.”

Twenty-four players make up the Thorsby rosters that will consist of varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams heading into next season.

“Most of the kids playing varsity have been brought up from JV,” Robinson said.

The camp served as a great learning tool especially with so many young players throughout all stages of the program.

“It’s about getting them [younger players] on the right track,” Robinson said. “Bad habits are bad to break, so if you introduce them to the game you’re helping to form good habits.”

According to Robinson, those are the two aspects of the game that are vital for a team and a player to be successful.

“Everything else just falls in place,” Robinson said.

The camp was the first outing for the team since school ended for the summer. In many ways, it was the first opportunity for the newest members to lay the foundation of teammate relationships.

“Watching them grow as people and athletes is rewarding,” Robinson said. “We’ve had some that have really come along and love the game.”