Elementary Volleyball: McKinley 5th and 6th Graders Learn More Than Just the Basics

Beyond the skills of serving and setting, McKinley Elementary School fifth and sixth graders are learning the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship as well as developing a love for the game of volleyball.

“We tell everyone on day one that we don’t care if you win or lose,” said Dean Hodsdon, McKinley volleyball coach. “We want students to have fun and get better.”

McKinley volleyball is coached by the father and son duo, Dean and Josh Hodsdon. Dean is a retired teacher and has been coaching and organizing elementary school sports for nearly 30 years, and Josh is a special education assistant at McKinley.

“They are nice and supportive coaches,” said 6th grader Ivy who plans to continue playing volleyball next year in junior high. “Our coaches are really good at helping us get better.”

Volleyball provides students with a safe place to go after school where they can spend time with their friends, be supported by experienced coaches, and unwind after a day of school. “I like that this is somewhere I can go after school to be active,” said Rylee, 6th grader.

“My favorite part of the volleyball season is playing with my friends,” said 6th grader Harper.

Volleyball players also take on the responsibility of running the scoreboard. They learn how to operate it during practices, giving them the chance to confidently manage the scoreboard during scrimmages.

Fifth and sixth graders across the Stevens Point Area Public School District have the opportunity to play volleyball each fall, traveling to other elementary schools for scrimmages. “The most fun part of volleyball is scrimmaging different schools,” said Rylee.

Whether students go on to play in junior high or simply carry the lessons learned into other aspects of their lives, they are gaining valuable experience in teamwork and determination that will serve them well long after they leave the court at McKinley Elementary School.

🏐 See McKinley volleyball in action!