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Student players learn SWAT volleyball skills

Volleyball players for the Rimbey area got the chance to learn in-depth skills from University of Calgary Dinos players and alumni

Volleyball players for the Rimbey area got the chance to learn in-depth skills from University of Calgary Dinos players and alumni in a new volleyball program; South Western Technical Volleyball clinic (SWAT).

One of the coaches, Sammy Fraser, says the goal of the program is to reach out to smaller communities.

“It’s not always economically feasible for some of these kids to go to bigger cities such as Edmonton or Calgary,” said Fraser.

With SWAT, Fraser says higher levels of coaching are introduced to the players instead. “It’s one of our flaws as a national program, the kids don’t have educated coaches always.”

She’s noticed in tournaments smaller communities sometimes have trouble keeping up with the level that bigger city teams play at.

Fraser and coaches, Jace Richards, a Dinos alumnus, and Graham Vigrass; a graduate of the University of Calgary who now plays for the men’s national team, have also been working with Lisa Shukin, Rimbey’s high school volleyball coach.

Teaming up with Shukin is something Fraser has really enjoyed. “She’s really willing to learn.”

With the junior high students the coaches have broken the game down to its basic components. “We do lots and lots and lots of reps,” said Fraser.

The coaching is more advanced with the older students, with more systems lessons and game plays instead of basic drills. “I’m trying to get them to understand the game at a higher level.”

Fraser says all the players are willing to learn new techniques and interest has already been generated for a SWAT camp next year.