Head Coach Ken Murphy talks to the Miners duing a break in action. (Image: Michael Reese/UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas – To teach kids a sport is one thing. To help them to develop their skills so they are ready to play at the next level is another. The second is exactly what UTEP head volleyball coach Ken Murphy did this summer as the program held numerous camps for ages eight to 18 this past June and July.

The camps were designed to give local youth volleyball players a place to develop their skills and most importantly serve as a positive place to spend their summer.

“It gives a great opportunity to work with the kids,” Ken Murphy said. “Have our players work with them and (serve as) good role models for the players in our community.”

The camps started in mid-June with the developmental camp for ages eight to 14. The camp was an all day event for three days with a morning session and an afternoon session. The developmental camp worked with the campers to teach them not only to improve their volleyball skills but to also teach them to have fun with the game.

Both coaches and players participated in the camp as camp counselors. Campers had a chance to work with collegiate level volleyball players like UTEP senior setter Patty Jarmoc and junior outside hitter Marie Therese Joyce. Senior defensive specialist Jennifer Nolasco also was in attendance to help work with the local talent.

An advanced camp was also available for players who were looking to improve their game using the techniques and drills that are taught at the collegiate level and to increase player knowledge of the game.

“We try to give them some ideas how to be successful at their level,” Murphy said. “How to prevent errors, how to make smart decisions, just understand the flow of the game a little bit more.”

Satellite camps were held for 10 area high schools and junior highs who were interested in having the camp go to their campus. It was an opportunity to give schools the option to customize their own camp and to fit the goals of the team and focus on individual skill and team development.

The three camps and the other 10 satellite camps were successful and met up to expectations with a positive environment for youth in the borderland and also helped UTEP in becoming a leader in volleyball in the community.

The UTEP volleyball coaching staff will be hosting a coach’s clinic this Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at Memorial Gym. Registration is $10 for the seminar or $25 for the booster membership offer and a t-shirt.

The clinic is designed to help coaches on key topics on methods and mechanics of the sport. To also help maximize team strength’s, ideas, techniques, drills and fundamentals in the game of volleyball.

To make arrangements to attend this Sunday, call (915) 747-8435.

The Miners open up the 2010 season on August 27 in Durham, North Carolina at the Hilton RTP/NCCU Tournament. The first home game of the season will be on Tuesday September 7 against I-10 rival NMSU. Game starts at 7 p.m. in Memorial Gym.

Adam Díaz is a staff writer for Miner Illustrated. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or story ideas at agdiaz@miners.utep.edu.