VOLLEYBALL is a sport enjoying a renaissance in the country.
Attendance at women’s volleyball games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and National Collegiate Athletic Association rival attendance in marque basketball games.
The Philippine Super Liga has formed a professional league. The semi-pro Shakey’s V-League continues to enjoy unprecedented popularity and has teamed up with broadcast giant ABS-CBN to televise their games on live TV.
Droves of girls are learning to play the sport. Last June 1 close to a hundred girls completed Module 2 of advanced lessons at the Alaska Volleyball Power Camp 2016 at the Ateneo De Manila University Grade School covered courts.
During the months of April and May Alaska Power Camps were also held at De La Salle Zobel and Module 1 for beginners was taught at the Ateneo De Manila University Grade School covered courts.
Volleyball star Michele Gumabao, who played for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers for four years (2010-2013)—helping them win three consecutive UAAP titles —conceptualized the camp and prepared the drills and lessons for the girls aspiring to become better volleyball players.
“We taught all the skills related to volleyball like serving, passing, blocking and spiking. Most of all the camp taught discipline, dedication and hard work not just through lectures but through practical exercises,” said Gumabao.
The Alaska Volleyball Power Camp Director remains one of the country’s most outstanding active volleyball player. Last season she led Philips Gold to a Philippine Super Liga crown. The team has since joined the Shakey’s V-League as Pocari Sweat which is on top of the standings with two straight victories.
Gumabao and the Lady Warriors beat the UP Lady Maroons in last Saturday’s inaugural game of the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference. They then wore down the National University Lady Bulldogs in a thrilling come-from-behind win this past Wednesday to vault to the top of the standings.
Participants from the Alaska volleyball camp benefitted greatly from Gumabao’s coaching. More importantly, the girls see her as role model and inspiration as they get to see firsthand what girls can accomplish with hard work and dedication.
Gumabao led a team of volleyball experts in teaching aspiring young girls the most important aspects of the game during the camp.
“Volleyball players like me who want to impart their knowledge and experience taught the girls. We helped develop the skills of participants and made them ready if they want to join varsity teams in the future.”
The Alaska Power Camp also taught the girls the value of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and determination according to Gumabao. Additionally children learned the importance of proper nutrition for their growth and development.
Alaska did not just help the girls become better athletes through the volleyball power camp it also helped them become productive members of the community.