Over the past two years, UT Elementary offered volleyball as a limited, afterschool enrichment session to tutoring students. The program’s popularity inspired Pre-K teacher Norma Robinson to create a program open to all 4th and 5th grade girls, aiming to provide them with the benefits of team sports and physical activity.
“I have coached everything, but volleyball is my favorite,” Mrs. Robinson shared. “Based on the enthusiastic response to the monthly program, we decided to formalize it.” During the summer, she collaborated with Jennifer Montoya to develop a comprehensive plan. They secured a nearby gym for practice, gathered necessary equipment, and informed students about the program at the start of the school year.
“One thing we needed was volleyballs. We didn’t have enough of the smaller ones suitable for our girls. So, I reached out on social media. With the help of family and friends, we received 12 volleyballs as donations! Additionally, one of the moms found a company to sponsor our t-shirts, giving the girls a sense of team unity,” Mrs. Robinson explained. 5th grade teacher Nicole Hershey noted that students are now spending part of their recess practicing volleyball skills, working on their serves, and hitting the ball to one another.
On October 1, for National Night Out, the Little Longhorns attended a community volleyball clinic at the Givens Recreation Center. They were joined by the Texas Sweethearts, a spirit organization that provides leadership and community service opportunities for young women at the University of Texas at Austin.
“It is wonderful to see the girls excited for every practice and to watch their personal growth as teammates and leaders,” said Jennifer Montoya. Encouraged by the success of the volleyball program, school leadership is considering creating a weekly afterschool track club as well.
