Buffalo Public Schools have recently added five boys volleyball programs to their athletic offerings. Boys volleyball has consistently been the largest growing sport in America, as its international presence has already been established.  Now we are seeing this growth in the City of Buffalo!

On Tuesday, July 16th, The Champion Project hosted a volleyball clinic for these new Buffalo Public School teams.  The clinic was run by Jason Donorovich (Penn State Men’s Volleyball), Dan Johnson (Director – Niagara Frontier Volleyball) and Rocco Lucci (Director – Niagara Frontier Volleyball).  Coaches from City Honors and Hutch Tech - John Zasowski and Jason Prophet also stepped in to help on the courts!

The clinic was two hours long and designed to elaborate on the basic skills of the game. The clinic started with forearm passing and setting, then moved into attacking and serving. Each skill was focused on for 20-30 minutes, working more in-depth in the skills as the segments went on. The final twenty minutes of the clinic was used to play 6 vs. 6. The coaches emphasized the importance of using all of the skills demonstrated during the clinic, wanting to use all three contacts- pass, set, swing, and the importance of working hard in transition.

Volleyball is a very tedious and skill heavy sport. The players that came to Niagara Frontier Sports for The Champion Project clinic met and exceeded all expectations. The student athletes were all extremely respectful and willing to learn. Their ability to pick up a skill quickly was outstanding, and the growth witnessed in the two hours clinic was phenomenal.

The Champion Project looks forward to following these programs throughout their upcoming seasons and watching these young individuals become leaders on their court and in their schools!