Interest in Girl’s Volleyball on the Rise

The Town of Reading has more volleyball players than it knows what do do with, and, according to Reading Memorial High School varsity volleyball coach Michelle Hopkinson, interest keeps growing.

Hopkinson ran a volleyball clinic from Aug. 11 – 12 at the Hawkes Field House, which attracted middle school players looking to sharpen their skills.

"Volleyball overall is becoming a very popular sport. Our camps are sold out every summer... This is the second year in a row we've had to turn kids away because I want to keep the quality of the camp intact," Hopkins said.

The summer clinic focuses on teaching young girls the fundamentals of volleyball. Every skill level is welcome and players are grouped by age and ability.

Reading Memorial High School's volleyball program added a freshman team to try to meet the high demand. However, Hopkinson said she still had to cut 20-25 girls from the program last season due to the recent influx of players.

"It's unfortunate because if the girls are here and want to be here, I definitely want them to play. However its just not realistic," she said. "I'm expecting close to 60 girls at tryouts in the fall."

The Recreation Department offers three clinics a year. In addition to the summer clinic, players are invited to participate in programs in the fall and spring. Hopkins and the Recreation Department aim to modify the programs to cater to players of all  skill levels. Starting in the spring, players will attend different days based on skill level.

Hopkinson prides herself on the coaching staff the clinics have to offer.

"Twelve to 14 high school and college players come back to coach, it's a nice tradition for them," she said.

Seventh grader MaryBeth Marcucella said she wants to play high school volleyball, which is why she has been coming to the clinic for four years.

"I play club volleyball for Northshore and this camp teaches you how to move your feet to the ball," Marcucella said.

In 2009 the RMHS volleyball team became Division 1 North Champions, and the program shows no signs of losing momentum.