PICKENS — Nearly 60 girls entering grades 5-9 participated in the 22nd annual Number One Volleyball Camp Aug. 1-4 at the Pickens Recreation Center.

Thirty-three 5th-6th graders and 24 7th-9th graders took part in the event directed by former Pickens High coach Peggy Anthony. With the 18 2nd-4th graders who participated earlier in July, the total for the camp at Pickens reached 75.

“Volleyball in Pickens and the surrounding area continues to grow and grow,” Anthony said. “It’s just awesome.”

The 22nd annual Number One Volleyball Camp was held Aug. 1-4 at the Pickens Recreation Center. Pictured are the girls who participated in the event.

Following stretching and fun warm-up activities, the campers were put through a variety of stations and drills that encompassed movement patterns, fundamental skills, competitions, team concepts, 4-on-4 play and 6-on-6 matches. Instructors for the younger group that met in the morning were Anthony, longtime assistant coach Katie Gowan, former Woodmont star Annika Jones, who will be setting at SWU this fall, and Dacusville Middle School coach Rikki Owens, who played collegiately at Presbyterian College. The older group who met in the afternoon were trained by Anthony, Gowan, Jones, former Easley standout and current Carolina One Volleyball Club coach Sam Bailey and current Pickens standout senior setter Karlee Underhill.

“Our staff did a fantastic job again this year, and I appreciate their love of kids, volleyball expertise, enthusiasm and passion for the game,” Anthony said. “We all enjoyed coaching this year’s campers. They were very cooperative, hard-working and improved each day. I want to thank all our campers and staff members for their efforts in making the camp a success. I also want to thank Cheri Anthony, Heidi Covey, the Pickens County Courier and the Pickens Sentinel for their support.”

Following the camp an awards ceremony was held. Award recipients at camp were as follows. Bumping Champion: Molly Harris (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); Setting Champion: Ivy Freeman (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); 4-on-4 Champions: “Fire” — Amber Chapman, Makayla Konduros, Eliana Hollington, and Emily Belcher (5th-6th) and “The Ballers” — Tamara Boysworth, Ansley Reid, Amber Chapman, and Hailey Russell (7th-9th); 6-on-6 Champions: “Fast & Furious” — Ella Sudbeck, Miracle Russell, Lucy Bryant, Karlyn Holcombe, Molly Harris & Emily Edwards (5th-6th) and “Sam’s Angels” — Josey Zercher, Shelby Parvis, Gracie Owens, Alaina Craigo, Tamara Boysworth, Madison May and Ali Pace (7th-9th); All-Stars: Amber Chapman, Ivy Freeman, Molly Harris, Makayla Konduros, Daileigh Pilgrim, Emily Edwards, and Karlyn Holcombe (5th-6th), and Ali Pace, Calie Covey, Kayla Oberstar, Shelby Parvis, Anzley Parmer, Alaino Craigo and Nevaeh Harder (7th-9th); Leadership Award: Jayden Harden (5th-6th); Coaches’ Award: Aubrey Richardson & Jase Murphy, (5th-6th) and Ansley Reid and Caroline Lucus (7th-9th); (Most Improved; Amber Morris (5th-6th) & Gracie Owens (7th-9th); Hardest Worker: Ivy Freeman (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); Most Outstanding Player: Amber Chapman (5th-6th) and Calie Covey (7th-9th).