Published: August 17, 2024, 07:00
Starting high school and trying out for a sports team can be a little intimidating for an athlete, but freshmen looking to join the Newtown High School girls volleyball program this fall got a little introduction under the guidance of NHS coach Tom Czaplinski and some of his players at the girls volleyball camp at NYA Sports & Fitness Aug. 12-15.
During these two-hour afternoon sessions, 13 girls practiced their passing, hitting and serving techniques as well as some match games to familiarize themselves with the sport.
“We do a typical tryout so they’re not nervous when they get there,” Czaplinski said. “For half of them, it’s their first time playing.”
Some of the players have already participated in camps and programs, others rely on their natural abilities and quickly learn to be comfortable on the court. With time and more playing experience, these athletes will improve and may make it not only to the freshman roster, but also to the junior and first team teams.
It wasn’t just the freshmen who had a chance to get a head start on the campaign. The middle school girls volleyball camp was also held on the NHS court in August. This camp was designed to help players of all levels, from 5th to 8th grade, reach their full potential. NHS coaches said the camp provided a fun, positive atmosphere and a great training program that ranged from fundamental skills to advanced position-specific training.
A high school girls’ volleyball camp for the JV and Varsity teams at NYA provided girls aspiring to join the JV and Varsity teams the opportunity to improve their skills and better prepare for the start of the season.
Tryouts begin on August 19th and there will be a few weeks of practice as teams are formed and prepare for competition. The freshmen, juniors and varsity teams all have games at St. Joseph of Trumbull on September 3rd and their first home game will be on September 9th when Darien visits.
Sports editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at [email protected].
Chloe Turoczo hits the ball over the net during the Freshman Volleyball Camp at NYA Sports & Fitness on Aug. 12. —Bee Photos, Hutchison
Emma Dever tosses the ball to the setter as she prepares to make a return pass during camp.
Adeline Meadows brings the ball over the net during a practice session.
