Drover Athletics Kicks Off Summer Camp Season
Among the many events happening on the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s campus this summer are the various athletic youth camps. The Drover Athletic Department has four sports featured in this year’s schedule: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball.
“Giving back to our community is a big part of our Drover mission,” said Mike Ross, athletic director. “The community is a huge part of the success of our athletic department so I am excited for all the opportunities we will have to give back to them this summer. There are a variety of summer camps for different sports and age groups, we hope everyone can find something that fits them and helps them grow in their sport.”
Fresh off another NAIA World Series appearance, Jadyn Wallis, softball head coach, was first to host this summer. Wallis and her Drovers hosted nearly 100 campers for her annual Softball Kids Camp. Campers focused on hitting, fielding and pitching drills. Camp concluded with a water slide.
Camper Aislin Towler said her favorite part was “pitching drills” while camper Lydia DeWoody said the “batting and pitching drills” were her favorites.
“One thing we always look forward to as a program is giving back to the youth in our community,” said Wallis. “We love our summer kids camp and sharing our love for the game and relationships within the game. Our sport is growing into a powerhouse for building strong women, so being able to grow that in our community for young girls is amazing!”
Women’s basketball head coach Darrick Matthews will bring back his three-day skills camps for kindergarten through eighth grade kids on Monday, June 12. He will also host a prospect camp for students in ninth through 12th grades.
Men’s basketball head coach Chris Francis will also host camps for first through eighth graders. His first camp will be June 15 and 16. Participants can choose either shooting camp, skills camp or both.
The Drover Soccer program will also host its annual camp in July, but registration is full.
Drover Athletics recently welcomed new volleyball head coach Isabel Almendarez. She will host the Coach Bell Volleyball Summer Camps with a variety of focal points and options for all ages, including junior college students. Almendarez will also hold Come & Play days for experienced volleyball athletes on July 14, 21 and 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.
For more information and to register for any of the camps highlighted here, please visit usaoathletics.com.