The Lady Golden Eagles Volleyball team hosted a skills improvement clinic this Saturday to raise money for their upcoming mission trip to Creve, Haiti.
Forty-six children, aged eight to 18, attended. Stacie Johnson, head volleyball coach, called the clinic “a huge success.”
The clinic focused on sharpening fundamental techniques.
“We have held clinics before and they have been very successful. It is a fun time for the players and those who attend the clinic,” Johnson said.
Heather Witham, assistant volleyball coach, added, “I really like to see kids build confidence in their sport.”
The clinic is only one of several fundraising efforts currently in the works for the team’s trip to Haiti, which will take place this summer. The team’s other moneymaking ideas include a Valentine’s Day fundraiser and a student volleyball tournament.
“We’re doing hands-on stuff. We’re not just relying on the money to come pouring in,” said Witham.
The team will be working with Bethel Baptist Ministries to put on a sports clinic and a vacation Bible school. Both Witham and Johnson said they were “excited” about the mission trip.
Sophomore Kendra Ammons, defensive specialist, agrees. “I think it’ll be really good for our team to get a bigger perspective, to know that the world isn’t just about volleyball,” Ammons said.
Junior Staci Williamson, outside hitter, appreciates what pre-season mission trips do for the team’s camaraderie.
“Even though it’s the beginning of the year, we’re not focused on ourselves, we’re focused on serving,” she said.
The attitude of service in missions carries over to the upcoming clinic, Witham said.
“We’re really trying to reach out to the community. Sports create a huge platform all over the world.”
Williamson spoke of her own inspiration to teach kids about volleyball, “When we were growing up, [coaches] came into our lives. It’s just a way to give back.”
“And it’s a lot of fun,” Ammons added.
Students are encouraged to pray for the volleyball team as they begin their fundraising efforts. There will also be a way to donate online on the team’s homepage soon.
“We really want it to be God’s trip,” said Witham. “I want to see our team grow closer in the Lord through all of this.”