Youth volleyball players have a new opportunity to grow as athletes – whether they are just starting the sport or working to polish their techniques – in a new year-round volleyball academy through Corbett Prep's Community School for Sports.

The Ultimate Warriors Volleyball Academy (UWVA) draws from international training techniques and strategies for youth volleyball in addition to Division I coaching philosophies. Maggie Smith, the UWVA director, has nearly 20 years of experience coaching and playing volleyball. She won several awards as a Division I college athlete while attending North Carolina State University.

As part of the Community School for Sports (CSS), the volleyball academy is based at Corbett Prep but open to students from any school in the Tampa Bay area. It is modeled after CSS' popular Ultimate Warriors Basketball Academy and takes a positive approach to learning sports.

Like the basketball program, the volleyball academy uses best practices to help young athletes work toward mastery – which starts with helping young athletes establish a solid foundation.

"Ultimate Warrior Volleyball coaches create a fun learning environment where students are challenged both physically and mentally," says CSS Director Ivan Romero. "We strive to produce top-performing athletes who are self confident and competitive both on and off the court."

Youth Volleyball for All Ages and Levels

The youth volleyball program will offer everything from a basic foundation of volleyball to specialization training in all positions. Girls and boys will have a chance to participate in clinics, summer camps, lessons and competitions.

The first session of the Ultimate Warriors Volleyball Academy includes skills training for different ages and ability levels on Saturdays from Nov. 2 to Dec. 21. Mini Volley Warriors, from kindergarten through second grade, receive a gentle introduction to the sport with lowered nets and light balls as they learn proper footwork and passing. Third through fifth graders learn volleyball fundamentals through creative drills.

Middle school-aged students work on mastering skills such as the overhead serve and learning position-specific rotations. High school students who are experienced players can sign up for advanced skills training that follows a faster pace than the younger groups.

The Community School for Sports (CSS) program at Corbett Prep began in 2015 and is open to students in PreK4 through high school, regardless of where they attend school. CSS allows student-athletes to build on their skills in a positive, goal-oriented environment all year long. It includes the Ultimate Warriors Basketball Academy, the Ultimate Warriors Volleyball Academy, street hockey, golf and other sports depending on the season. Professionally trained or certified coaches oversee the instruction.

For questions, contact CSS Director Ivan Romero at iromero@corbettprep.com or (813) 961-3087, ext. 312.