Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — As an assistant coach at UCLA for the past nine years, Kim Jagd has welcomed several Steamboat Springs players into sunny Southern California for volleyball camps. The Bruins have a rich collegiate tradition and the Sailors enjoy tapping into the wealth of knowledge within the school's coaching ranks.

Jagd, however, has wanted to start doing more intimate camps in smaller cities, said her sister Sheryl Griffing.

Because Jagd has family ties to Steamboat her niece Allison Griffing plays for Steamboat coming to western Colorado seemed like a natural choice.

"It's the best of both worlds," Sheryl Griffing said. "You have the big-name coach in the small group environment."

The camp will be at Steamboat Springs High School from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a two-hour break for lunch. Space is limited for the June 8 camp and the registration cost is $15.

Sailors head coach Wendy Hall will serve as an assistant, and Griffing said the camp will utilize three courts for more one-on-one attention at different levels. In addition to current high school players, the camp is open to anyone entering high school this fall.

"It's quite an effort on her part to do this for Steamboat," Hall said. "I'm going to let her run the show. The more these kids play the better they are going to be."

Jagd, a former Bruins athlete from 1985-86, has served as an assistant at the school for the past nine years.

UCLA posted a 212-71 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in eight of Jagd's nine seasons within the program.

Her coaching career began with junior varsity boys so she is experienced in working with teen-age players.

"I really enjoy the learning curve in that level of athlete," Jagd said.

She noted that her basic instruction will cater to all levels but specific activities will be used depending on the variety of experience demonstrated by the players.

"It will be fairly remedial types of training even the more advanced players can use," Jagd said.

"It might help them break bad habits. I want to challenge the more skilled players."

Jagd wanted to put a camp on for the Steamboat players last year, but her and Hall's schedule never worked out. Both are extremely busy but found time for the one-day camp on Saturday.

Because her sister and niece reside in Steamboat, Jagd is familiar with the success the high school program has enjoyed. Any additional role she might be able to play in maintaining that tradition is an added bonus for holding the camps.

"They are in such a small town but compete on such a high level," Jagd said. "That's a tribute to Wendy's coaching and the talent level in the town. I like to see them do well. If they go to state, it'll be fun to say I might have had a teeny-tiny role in it."

Griffing said players could register on Saturday if room is still available. Those interested or with further questions can call her at 870-6861.