2020 Little M-ette Volleyball Camp

The Malta M-ette Volleyball team held their annual Little M-ette Volleyball camp for fourth grade through eighth-grade students. The camp hosted just under 30 athletes.

The camp took place at the Malta High School Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to noon one Wednesday, July 8, through Friday, July 10.

According to Malta High School Coach Tasha Hines camp went great.

"We didn't have an overload of really young girls, which made it perfect for teaming those littles up with the high schoolers and having one net lower for them to just get the feel for the game," Coach Hines said.

Coach Hines was proud of how her M-ette athletes worked with the campers. The team members present at camp included Seniors – Sidney Meeks, Erica Smith and Lauren Doney; Juniors - Justine Lamb, Kaylee Bishop; Sophomores – Lauren Tuss, Rylee Hines, Allison Kunze, Madison Bain, and Kennedy Koss.

"I can't even begin to tell you the difference they make in the camp," Coach Hines said. "Firstly, those little kiddos just adore these high school girls and it's easy to see why, the compassion and care and humor they bring in is just amazing to watch, it makes us so proud. They give positive feedback, cheer loud and give lots of high fives, while teaching them at the same time."

The camp offered various aspects of the game from warming up, to fundamentals, to competitive games. Coach Hines said that the camp was ran by progressions. Day one included an emphasis on fundamental skills, which included passing, serving, and setting.

"Day two is usually the favorite because we get to hit the volleyball!" Coach Hines said. "Day two is like day one in fundamental learning only for hitting and blocking along with reviewing what we learned in day two, which leads us into our four-on-four competition."

One day three campers were able to participate in a full six-on-six game and allowed to choose team names which was also a highlight of the camp according to Coach Hines. Some names included Funky Monkey, Bacon McMufflers, Contagious Karens, Trotting Puggles, and Teal Pizza Dogs.

Throughout the camp, groups participated in numerous drills, but Coach Hines said the camp favorite was likely "Pileup."

"Three girls "pile-up" on the gym floor and when we slap the volleyball it initiates play," Coach Hines said. "We'll bounce the ball high off the floor and the players have to quickly get up while communicating to get three touches and over the net and in."

The camp also featured weekly awards. Here are this year's 2020 Little M-ette Volleyball Camp winners. 3x3 champs: Lauren Tuss, Kendall Clausen, and Renzey Raymond. 4x4 champs: Rylee Hines, Hadley Hammond, Caitlyn Lankford, and Tailynn Wilke. 6x6 champs: Ashlynn Sautter, Charli Carnahan, Danika Wilke, Kylie Bishop, Averee Matthews, and Kendall Clausen. Day 1- Hadley Hammond. Day 2- Miracle Love. Day 3- Avi Oxarart. Hustle award- Macey Blunt. Sportsmanship award-Denvyr Tuss. Most improved - Kendyl Lankford. MVP- Eva Yeadon.