Experts Instruct At MVHS Volleyball Camp

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Moapa Valley High School Girls Volleyball Team welcomed several big names in both collegiate and professional volleyball to their home court last week. It was the annual Summer Volleyball Skills Camp and there was a lot of good instruction being given. Enrolled in the camp were no less than 43 girls grades 8-12. The event was held at the school August 5-7.

“We had a great turnout for the camp,” said MVHS Head Coach Mandie Matheson. “All of the girls worked hard and did well. This shows the dedication our local middle school and high school athletes have to the sport and we are looking forward to the new season for volleyball.”

A group of six special guest clinicians were there to help run drills and teach skills that will benefit the girls for high school and for those who continue on to the next level in college.

The guests included Coach Mike Daniel, Olympian Charlene Johnson, Coach Kaipo Tagaloa, Coach Delayne Daniel, Callie Whitney, and Rylee Daniel.

“It is not often when we can get together with so many experts on this sport and all at the same time,” said Matheson. “It is beyond wonderful to have them all here helping us.”

Coach Mike Daniel is the current volleyball coach at Snow College in Logan, Utah. He has coached at Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, and Salt Lake Community College. He is also the current coach of the Utah Professional Volleyball Team, the Utah Stingers. He is also the current director of Club 801, the organization that runs camps for youth.

Olympian Charlene Johnson-Whitted was a member of the USA Olympics team for 2000, finishing 4th. The former BYU setter also has been MVP, All-American, and more. She was assistant coach at Nebraska, BYU, US Women’s Junior National Team, and more.

Kaipo Tagaloa was a top 10 setter in 2017 while playing for Southern Virginia University. She was an All Conference player, and 3rd place finish in NCAA Division III.

Delayne Daniel was an All American Outside Hitter for Dixie State College, then played libero and outside hitter for Snow College, and is now a coach for Club 801.

Callie Whitney is a former BYU Libero 2x All Region Player and current head camp instructor for Club 801 and Volleyfix.

Rylee Daniel is a former Outside Hitter for Salt Lake Community College and 2017 Colorado Crossroads Tournament MVP. She is also currently a coach and camp clinician for the last four years.

“The clinicians really focused on improving the mental mindset, technique, and six-on-six playing time,” said Matheson. “There was a great balance of skill work and game experience. It was really good for the girls to get this training and learn from these amazing athletes and professionals.”

The MVHS Lady Pirates started their team tryouts on August 9. The season will start September 2 as they take on Las Vegas High at MVHS.