Student-run clinic at S.S. Seward introduces young athletes to volleyball

This summer, incoming senior Jackie Tomassi is passing on her passion for volleyball to young athletes, running a clinic for kindergarten through sixth graders for her National Honor Society service project.

“I remember when I was in elementary school, volleyball wasn’t a sport we typically played,” the varsity setter shared. “I want to make sure younger kids are getting introduced to the sport, and help them build a foundation.”

The three-week clinic included two sessions: the first hour for kindergarten through third graders and the second for fourth through sixth graders.

Tomassi and teammates Saniya Walker and Abby Orlando teach participants more than how to bump, set, and spike.

“Volleyball is a big team sport, so understanding working together and being able to communicate with each other efficiently is important,” shared Tomassi.

“I noticed some were getting nervous or embarrassed during hitting because they didn’t want to mess up,” she added. “We want to let them know that they don’t have to be perfect. If you shank a pass, you have to shake it off or it can determine how you play for the rest of the day.”

“It’s a big learning experience for us as well, in coaching,” said Walker. “I love seeing the younger kids enjoy the sport as much as we do.”

“I’m so glad that Jackie started this project. It’s very fulfilling to see these kids start to play,” added Orlando.

Sixth-graders Victoria Laboy, Julia Contursi, and Sadie Foote are looking forward to trying out for the modified team in seventh grade.

“No one in my family played, but I always wanted to learn. When I heard about the program, I thought, ‘This is going to be so much fun!’” shared Contursi.

Laboy added that her favorite part is learning how to hit.

“I’ve enjoyed learning new skills and getting to know Jackie, Saniya, and Abby,” shared Foote.