Jayda Jones practices her volleyball skills alongside her teammates at Isabella High School’s opening camp on July 28.

Isabella High School’s volleyball teams received training from Jacksonville State University volleyball coaches at their opening camp on Monday and Tuesday.

Seventh through twelfth grade volleyball players practiced techniques such as serving, passing, setting and blocking throughout the two-day tournament.

About 50 girls participated in the camp, which was held in Isabella High School’s gymnasium.

JSU Assistant Coach Leigh Barea said she wanted to bring a competitive and fun atmosphere to the camp.

“We just really want to teach them basic skills, and then build from there,” Barea said. “We play a lot of games to get the girls competing against one another, and also learning to play as a team while having fun.

“We work on everything for every level: setting, spiking, passing. We just want the players to be well-rounded and learn a lot.”

HIS volleyball coach Glen Graham commended the JSU coaches on their dedication to the sport.

“I heard the coaches speak at the AHSAA sports banquet, and I really liked their outlook on the sport,” Graham said.

As summer workouts come to a close for the middle school, junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams, Graham said he sees the camp as an indicator that the season is right around the corner.

“I’ve really enjoyed being with my teammates and getting stronger,” IHS senior Caley Booth said. “The coaches at the camp have taught us to not get down on ourselves when something’s going on.”

“We’ve learned a lot of techniques on passing at camp,” IHS junior Savannah Hubbard said.

The teams begin their daily practices next week.

“Instead of having the players go to camps at colleges, which are usually expensive, we get coaches to come here,” Graham said. “[The players] get more individual one-on-one coaching at a camp like this.

“This camp helps us get things going for our season. We’ve worked out all summer, now it’s time to go hard and get ready for game situations.”

The team kicks off their season Aug. 27 at home against Selma High School.