Anchorage's Dimond High School recently hosted a sold-out volleyball clinic led by University of Arizona's Charita Stubbs and Brooke Paxton. The two-day event provided local students in grades 7-12 with elite Division I training and collegiate insights.
Overcoming the "Lower 48" recruitment disadvantage
Alaskan volleyball players face significant hurdles compared to their peers in the Lower 48. As reported by the source, the high cost and logistical difficulty of traveling to out-of-state camps often leave local talent overlooked. This geographic isolation creates a gap in exposure that specialized camps aim to bridge.
Dimond High School head coach Kim Lauwers emphasized that having NCAA Division I coaches work with local players is "invaluable." This sentiment highlights a broader need for high-level coaching within the state to prepare athetes for the rigors of collegiate sports .
A sold-out registration at Dimond High School
The recent camp at Dimond High School saw massive interest, with registration filling up within a day and a half of opening in March. The two-day event targeted players in grades 7 through 12, providing them with a glimpse into the high expectations of college-level routines.
Brooke Paxton, the University of Arizona director of volleyball operations, played a key role in coordinating the event due to her family ties to Alaska. According to the report, Paxton's father is a Dimond High School alumnus, which helped facilitate this connection between the Southwest and Anchorage.
Charita Stubbs' journey from Cleveland to Division I coaching
University of Arizona head coach Charita Stubbs brought her Division I expertise to Anchorage following a busy summer that included teeaching volleyball fundamentals in Africa. Stubbs, who moved from a disadvantaged area in Cleveland, Ohio, to the Southwest, used the camp to share the technical skills necessary for various levels of collegiate play.
For local athletes like Dimond High senior setter Puao Asailevai, the camp was a platform to challenge stereotypes regarding Alaskan athletic ability. The event allowed players to demonstrate their skills to out-of-state coaches, potentially opening doors that were previously difficult to reach.
The uncertainty of an annual Anchorage camp schedule
While the camp was a success,the long-term frequency of such events remains unconfirmed. the organizers expressed hope that the event could become an annual occurrence, but it is currently unclear if the University of Arizona staff can commit to a yearly schedule. Additionally, while the camp provided preparation for high school tryouts starting August 5, the lasting impact on recruitment numbers for Alaskan players remains an open question.
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