Building Skills & Confidence: Inside Our After-School Volleyball Program for 5th Graders

In April, Panther Volleyball Training launched a meaningful new chapter in our mission to make volleyball accessible to all with an after-school program built specifically for 5th graders preparing to enter middle school. What began as a simple idea between friends has become a thriving space where kids learn the basics of volleyball and the building blocks of self-confidence.

Why We Launched This Program

This program was born out of a conversation with Laura Beltran, a local advocate for youth sports. She saw a gap: many students entering middle school had never touched a volleyball before tryouts. With her encouragement and Panther Volleyball Training’s commitment to community, we built a volunteer-led initiative focused on giving kids an early introduction to the sport.

What Kids Are Learning

The focus of this program is on teaching the mechanics of the underhand serve, basic passing skills, teamwork, and helping kids understand the importance of self-esteem in athletics. We don’t expect perfection. We celebrate progress.

We’ve already seen amazing growth from our 15 enrolled students. One player’s energy perfectly captures what makes this program so special. Each time she serves (even if it doesn’t make it over the net) she celebrates how much closer she’s getting. That kind of positive mindset is exactly what we’re here to nurture.

A Truly Accessible Program

One of our main goals is to focus on accessibility, this program is brought directly to the kids. There’s no signup scramble, no long drive after work, and no fee. It’s all made possible by a team of volunteers who believe in showing up for their community. Our goal is to plant a love for volleyball and teamwork where it might not have taken root otherwise.

What Makes It Different

This isn’t just a sports program. It’s a mentorship experience. By creating an encouraging space within the school day, we’ve been able to reach students who might otherwise never step onto a court. There’s no pressure to perform. There’s only a shared goal to grow, improve, and cheer each other on.

What’s Next for Panther Volleyball

Parents who want to keep the momentum going can register their athlete for our upcoming Summer Skills & Drills sessions. These were created specifically to provide extra instruction right after the school year ends. We’re also hosting a Skills Camp on June 23rd and our exciting Volley & Vibes community event, both of which offer incredible opportunities for growth and fun.

You can explore all upcoming events and register directly at PantherVolley.com/upcomingclinics