As Roscoe Kahumoku shouted instructions to the 30 pupils sitting on the floor with baited ears, Wallace Community College volleyball coach April Harper watched with a determined smile.

Kahumoku was on hand to provide instruction during Wallace’s first ever volleyball camp, which was joined in by players from the school and out.

“It’s the first official camp that we opened up to the community,” Harper said. “We are working on team activities, drills, individual skills and some group activates and games. We are having a great time. Turnout is great and the girls are all having a great time.”

For being the first camp, attendance was good with Southside High School’s entire team and some other excited campers on hand ready to go.

“We are really excited about the turnout,” Harper said. “I mean, we have about 30 girls here. It’s the first one and that’s a great starting point for a first camp. Next year as the word spreads, hopefully we can get a few more players in the area.”

A part of the reason for so much local participation is the new influx of local players on the Wallace squad.

“Because volleyball has become so popular, it has enabled me to recruit within the community,” Harper said. “I just thought it would be a great asset to offer a camp to improve that talent and help with that local recruiting.”

While Wallace players were joining in as participants in the camp to get ready for the upcoming season, players also acted as coaches to younger campers.

“It’s different,” Wallace player Jasmine Coleman said. “You always go to these camps and you know what to expect, but now (campers) rely on you to teach them. There’s a little bit more responsibility.”

Harper said, if it weren’t for the support of the school, the camp would have never happened.

“Everyone helped,” she said. “The support staff, Dr. (James) Mitchell, everyone. Without them, this just wouldn’t be possible. So, we want to make sure and say thank you.”