By Justin Jarrett
LowcoSports.com
When Karen Erwin was named the new volleyball coach at Beaufort High School, she started looking for a team camp where her new squad could hone their skills this summer. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering, opportunities were difficult to find.
So she’s bringing the camp to the Lowcountry instead — and not just for Erwin’s Eagles.
Howard University head coach Shaun Kupferberg will lead Beaufort High’s Lady Eagle Volleyball Camp from July 12-15, giving middle and high school players a chance to develop the skills to succeed next fall — and perhaps continue their careers at the next level.
“Coach Kupferberg leads one of the strongest HBCU volleyball programs in the country,” Erwin said. “The Lowcountry doesn’t often get an opportunity for a top NCAA Division I program to come recruit in our area.”
And Kupferberg won’t just be looking for potential recruits for his Howard squad, which won five straight MEAC championships from 2015-19, reaching the NCAA Tournament each year during that stretch. He’ll also use his connections to help prospective recruits gain opportunities with other HBCU programs.
“We’re excited to give volleyball players in the Lowcountry access to such high-quality coaching and the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to play at the collegiate level,” Erwin said.
The camp also serves as a fundraiser for the Eagles’ volleyball program to purchase equipment that has been loaned from local club teams in recent years.
Participants will receive instruction focused on all aspects of the game, including passing and serve-receive, hitting, blocking, setting, and serving, but they’ll also be able to take part in a Q&A session on college recruiting with Kupferberg.
The size of the camp will be limited, allowing players to get ample court time and touches on the ball, and Erwin says it’s already more than half full. Players can reserve a spot by paying the $175 registration fee via Venmo (@BGBC-2021) and joining the Google Classroom group (code: qx3rllp).
For more information or to ask questions, text Erwin at 281-797-1101.
Above: Howard University head coach Shaun Kupferberg. Photo provided.
