“It’s good fun. I spent a couple days doing some sessions on Guam, and I had the opportunity to come over to Saipan for the day,” said Wade.
“I’m really impressed with the turn out and I just had a great time teaching the kids here in Saipan a little about volleyball,” he added.
Shepherd is currently the head coach of Guam’s men’s national volleyball team. Watanabe is also the head coach of St. John’s Middle School’s girls’ volleyball team.
Following a brief introduction, students learned basic skills in the sport, including passing, setting, hitting, and defense. Joining Marianas High School in the group were students from Saipan International School, Mount Carmel School, Whispering Palms School, Grace Christian Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, Kagman High School, and Saipan Southern High School.
“It was very fun. We had three wonderful coaches,” noted WPS student Danny Auther.
“It was fun and exciting. I learned new stuff like the left, right, left motion,” said CCA’s Zion Alamer.
Throughout the lecture, Wade discussed scholarship possibilities that will help future graduates in entering UOH or other colleges of interest. Grades are a big factor in college applications as well, according to clinic organizer and Northern Marianas Islands Volleyball Association secretary Mili Saiki. Both Wade and members of the NMIVA are looking forward to another clinic in the future.
“They’ve already been talking about next year, and make what we did better, so I certainly think it’s a possibility. If they ask, I’ll come,” said Wade.
Courses under the Volleyball Cooperation Program are also being organized by the NMIVA, with help from the FIVB.
