APRIL 15, 2016 DW 42
HERITAGE-BRENTWOOD - BASEBALL - SENIOR It would be awful hard to have a better first half of the season than what Milam has delivered for the Patriots. With his complete-game shutout at California-San Ramon on April 7 — his fourth shutout of the season — the Saint Mary’s-bound right-hander improved to 5-0 on the season with a sterling 0.40 ERA. In the 6-0 win over the Grizzlies, Milam allowed five hits, struck out four and walked just two. The win pushed Heritage’s overall record to 9-3 on the year, and allowed for the Patriots to move up from No. 6 to No. 4 in the most recent SportStars NorCal Top 20 rankings. California was ranked No. 18 prior to the loss. In addition to his extremely low ERA, Milam’s pitching stats through the second week of April were beyond impressive. He’s allowed just 20 hits (none for extra bases), three runs (two earned), struck out 33 and walked just six in 35 innings of work. At the plate, he’s hitting .355 with four doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI. Heritage will begin defense of its Bay Valley Athletic League title on April 19, opening up at Deer ValleyAntioch.
Got Send your nominations to: Next? Editor@SportStarsOnline.com or tweet us using #SSOTW
Like us on Facebook
Phillip Walton photo
RIDE MORE
GET FIT Fun is just one byproduct to dirt biking on a regular basis
Experienced dirt bike riders make dirt bike riding look simple, easy, and, of course, fun. However, it’s a sport that requires a lot of physical coordination, endurance, and engages nearly all the muscle groups. In fact, riding a dirt bike is an excellent way to stay healthy and fit. The sport will strengthen muscles, reduce stress and anxiety, and being out in the natural world enhances both physical and mental health. The workout received while dirt bike trail riding may surprise you. A significant amount of body strength is required to keep the dirt bike balanced while maneuvering over different types of terrains. Dirt biking can be an intense lower body workout, using the majority of leg muscles including quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. Using leg muscles will help keep the bike balanced on hill climbs, descents, riding over rocks and other obstacles, and while making sharp turns or switchbacks through forests or desert lands. In addition, a rider’s shoulders, upper back, and arm muscles will be engaged to assist in balancing the body over the dirt bike and to maneuver the bike smoothly, especially coming in and out of turns. A dirt bike rider tightens core muscles continually for control and to brace the body for bumps, grooves, and whoops the land offers. The entire experience builds muscle tone and strength. Dirt biking can also improve mental health by improving the rider’s mood and helps prevent stress, anxiety or depression. Riders usually feel energized and happy when after a ride. Many of them refer to their dirt bike as their “therapist.” Riding a dirt bike or any off-highway vehicle has a wonderful way of releasing endorphins that serve to boost mood and improve outlook. The time spent on a bike lets the rider escape from their problems or allows them to work through problems and consider issues from different perspectives. Once the mind is connected to the terrain or to the forest, the experience can be very rewarding, both in terms of performance on the trails and for simple peace of mind. In general, people who engage in dirt bike riding develop a deeper sense of tranquility which tends to boost performance as a whole. There are many positive reasons to get off a couch or step away from electronic screens and get out on trails. The fresh air and the sunshine help relieve stress and provide nutrients that help your body functions at an optimal level. If your intention is become a better overall athlete or lose weight, then dirt bike riding may just be right for you! ✪ — Copy and photos provided by California State Parks
Antioch’s Jake Perkey (from left), Josh johnson and Ramon Mayorga give a lift to teammate jordan la bier
A senior-laden roster rooted in chemistry has Antioch boys volleyball back on map in a big way It was 1996 and David Driskell, a junior at Antioch High, was trying out for the school’s defending North Coast Section-champion boys volleyball team when he rolled his ankle. And that was that. “Coming off of an NCS title, there wasn’t going to be much need for a player who was new to volleyball and had a bad ankle,” Driskell recalled. “But (then-coach Lou Panzella) allowed me to stick around and work as the team trainer. I went to all the games and got to experience that full season with the team.” That team went on to win the league title and repeated as NCS champs. No Panthers team has won as much as a league crown since. Twenty year later, Driskell is in his fifth season as Antioch’s
coach and is in the homestretch of leading the program out of its darkest period and back toward the days he so fondly remembers. He’s not doing it with a team filled with transfers or elite club players, either. This Panthers team is led by a dedicated core of seniors who have committed to Driskell’s program for the past four years and now find themselves heavy favorites to win Antioch’s first Bay Valley Athletic League title in two decades. Josh Johns began his Antioch varsity career as a sophomore in 2014 when the team won just nine games. Then last season it was 11 wins and a brief, one game NCS playoff appearance after qualifying with a 5-5 finish in league. Thus, it’s safe to say that an 19-6 start to the season has felt a little different for the senior outside hitter.
josh johns
Story and Photos by
chace bryson
“It’s been a lot more enjoyable to walk around the campus and be able to say you won the last game,” said Johns, who leads the team in kills and is one of two Panthers players with club experience. “It’s a lot of fun. That’s what it’s all about. To have fun. Have fun with your guys, your brothers, and I think we’re doing that right now.” The Panthers took another big step in respectability on April 9 when they attended the Foothill Invitational in Pleasanton and went 4-1 and grabbed first place by defeating the host Falcons in the championship match. The weekend firmly established Antioch as a top five Division I team within the section (only California-San Ramon and Foothill had more wins through April 12), but it only fueled a confidence that was already burning within the Panthers. The lightbulb moment for Antioch came on March 19 in the Gold Division of the East County Invitational at Heritage High in Brentwood. That’s where the Panthers ran into a very strong Clovis team and ended up taking an extremely contentious second set 30-28 before losing the third set 15-13. “Clovis was all club players. All tall. All athletic,” Antioch senior middle hitter Jake Perkey said. “We beat them in a set and that really made us think, ‘Maybe we can go far.’” Senior libero Ramon Mayorga said he walked away from that Clovis match with the same feeling. “I knew that we could play against anyone if we could take them to three,” he said. “And we were just having fun. We were just having a good time. If we’re having a good time, we play well.” Believe it or not, Driskell saw a lot of this coming together at the end of last season. While the 2015 Panthers may have had more talent and size, this group and its senior class had a chemistry that was unmatched by any of his previous teams. That camaraderie has played out just as he expected, and his two club players Johns and setter Jordan La Bier have proven to be just the right senior leaders to let everything else fall into place. The 6-foot-8 Perkey has provided a dominant presence in the middle and Mayorga, a former hitter in his first year as libero, has solidified the back line. “I’ve never had a great libero until this year,” La Bier said. “(Ramon) came out of the blue and I don’t know where he came from. I really do thank him for stepping up. … (My part) has been a piece of cake. I’m just here for the assists, and it’s pretty easy setting to a 6-4 and 6-8 guy who can both kill the ball.” Johns had 354 kills through the team’s first 24 matches, averaging close to five kills per set. “That guy is a beast,” said Perkey, who is second on the team with 157 kills to go with 43 blocks. “He’s the most relieving player to play with. Because you know that if the ball is set to him and we need a point, we’re going to get that point because it’s set to him. He’s going to kill it. We’re going to go crazy. We’re going to get that boost we need. We’re going to win.” While nothing is a given, Antioch is about as strong a favorite to win the BVAL as any team could be. The Panthers are 4-0 in league with six games left to play. No other team in the league has more than eight overall wins after games played on April 14. While a league title will be a significant achievement for Antioch, this group doesn’t expect it to completely satisfy them. “It’ll be great leaving a mark on the wall (in the Antioch gym),” La Bier said. “I can bring my children back here and show them what we did and talk of how we brought Antioch volleyball back together. As far as winning a league title, it’s not enough for me. For me, and all those guys out there. We want to take it to NCS. We want to take it to (NorCals). We always are looking to take that one step further.” ✪
jake perkey and coach david driskell
jordan la bier
ramon mayorga
www.spORTsTaRsOnlInE.cOM
ROckwOOD Returns Even though the final buzzer may have sounded on the high school basketball season, the games aren’t over quite yet, thanks to the outstanding efforts from Woodcreek, Rocklin and Whitney High Schools who are bringing back their Rockwood Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament this June 1012. Host coaches Paul Hayes from Woodcreek, Casey Cutts from Rocklin and Nick French from Whitney will be joining forces for the third consecutive year to bring this exciting event to Placer Valley at their
respective schools, all of which have excellent facilities and truly value great sportsmanship. “We are very excited about this year’s tournament and look forward to the same level of sportsmanship and competition as last year,” Hayes said. “Our goal is to have at least 24 teams like we did last year and potentially build on that number.” The format Rockwood uses is to divide teams into four six-team brackets for pool play on the first two days. Based on pool play records, teams get reseeded into three brackets: Gold, Silver and Bronze for the fi-
William Jessup University men’s hoops added some NAIA madness to its March William Jessup University, located in Rocklin, recently made headlines with its history-making basketball season. The Warriors men’s team showed a true Warrior spirit with its strong postseason run in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. In just its second year since moving up to the competitive Division I, WJU was selected as one of 32 teams to compete in this prestigious tournament in Kansas City. Finishing their season 18-10 in the competitive Golden State Athletic Conference earned the Warriors an at-large bid for the tournament. They drew the No. 2 seed, and nationally-ranked, University of Pikeville (Kent.) in the first round. Despite a rocky start the Warriors outscored the Bears 54-33 in the second half to pull off an 82-69 upset. Desmond Floyd had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the victory and Darius Clement finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The following night, WJU’s inspiring run came to an end when MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) defeated the Warriors 90-76. They didn’t go down without a fight and head coach Lance Von Vogt couldn’t have been more proud of his team. “The hard work they put in all season paid off,” Von Vogt said. “We’ve set a standard for athletics here at Jessup and we’ve worked on creating a culture that focuses on who we are as people before who we are as players. That culture is getting rooted and great things will come from it.” These Warriors can proudly say they had the greatest season in the history of William Jessup basketball. To learn more about this fantastic program go to www.jessupathletics.com. ✪
nals, which are Sunday, June 12. All teams are guaranteed five to seven games with 20-minute running halves and five minute halftimes. Cost is only $375 per team and they are happy to accommodate teams with scheduling preferences. Email Coach Hayes at phayes@rjuhsd.us with requests or questions. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism
ABIGAIL FISK OLIVIA O’KEEFFE
Davis High’s distance runners paced a strong contingent of Sac-Joaquin Section success at Arcadia Invitational
DEVIL’S
IN THE DETAILS
VACAVILLE’S JURNEE WOODWARD
F
or nearly 50 years, local high school athletes have traveled to Southern California to measure their track and field talents against some of the best competition the state and country has to offer. What started as a simple idea to have a local night meet, the Arcadia Invitational has grown into the nation’s largest prep sports activity run by a single high school. The Sac-Joaquin Section’s best track and field athletes have ventured to the San Gabriel Valley event for years to get a midseason test in preparation for league, divisional, section and state meets that wrap up the season in early June. The 49th annual event took place on April 8-9 and several top SJS schools and individuals hit the road and made their mark. The Davis High girls’ 4x1600 relay team claimed the section’s biggest prize in Arcadia with a victory in the Invitational race. Juniors Abigail Fisk and Sofia Castiglioni teamed up with sophomore Olivia O’Keeffe and senior Fiona O’Keeffe to outrun the field and finish in 20 minutes, 05.26 seconds. For Fiona, who will run at Stanford next year, this year’s trip to Arcadia was her last, but the other Blue Devils are likely to continue to pace top competition at the SoCal event in years to come. Individually, the underclassmen picked up more hardware as Castiglioni won the Open 1-Mile race — she finished in 4:59.88, just ahead of Kendall Derry from Bella Vista-Fair Oaks — and Olivia O’Keeffe claimed second in the Seeded 1-Mile race with a time of 4:57.54. Fiona O’Keeffe took home a fifth-place finish in the Invitational 3,200-meter run. “It’s really awesome to see her doing so well,” Fiona said of her sister. “It took a lot to get her out for cross country and track as a freshman, and she has made huge leaps this season.” And Olivia is only growing more confident as the successes pile up. “After being injured a lot during my freshman year, cross country (this past fall) was definitely a breakthrough season for me,” Olivia said. “I think my improvement and development now is just a natural progression.”
Story by JimMcCue
JESUIT’S SEAN KURDY On the boys’ side, Davis’s Willie Hall finished second in the Invitational 800-meter race in a season-best time for SJS runners at 1:51.59. Plenty of other SJS competitors traveled and performed well at the prestigious event. The St. Francis-Sacramento girls lived up to their billing as one of the section’s best running teams with senior Ariane Arndt repeating as the 800-meter Open champion. She also teamed with Kiana Reyna, Elizabeth Hennessy and Lillian Enes to win the Seeded 4x400 relay. The Troubadours’ Sydney Vandegrift claimed the title in the Rated 3,200-meter race. Defending Section Masters hurdles champion Jurnee Woodward of Vacaville competed in the Invitational races for the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. She was the fastest 300 hurdler with a time of 41.29 and finished second in the 100 in 13.87. Both were just off her season-best marks set at earlier invitational meets. Top SJS boys’ hurdler Derrick Griffith turned in his season-best times in both the 110- and 300-meter events. Griffith edged section rival Isaiah Holmes from Oakmont-Roseville in the 110-meter hurdles to claim second place in the Open division race (Holmes finished third), and won the Open 300 hurdles with a time of 38.67. Holmes, who holds the top SJS marks this season in the high jump and long jump, competed in the long jump and claimed fifth place. He jumped 22 feet, 6.75 inches in Arcadia, but his season-best of 24-5 (also a SJS best in 2016) would have easily claimed the title down south. Jesuit distance runners Sean Kurdy and Brendan Jones competed in 3,200-meter races with Jones finishing second in the Open division and Kurdy placing ninth in the Seeded race. All of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s top competitors in track and field will face off in divisional meets being held in various locations May 1720 and at the Section Masters Meet at Elk Grove High on May 26-27. The CIF State Track and Field Championships are scheduled for June 3-4 at Buchanan High in Clovis. ✪
Photos by James K. Leash
Records are through April 9 1. (1) — Davis 12-0 2. (7) ▲ Jesuit-Carmichael 9-2 3. (2) ▼ De La Salle-Concord 8-3 4. (6) ▲ Heritage-Brentwood 9-3 5. (3) ▼ Serra-San Mateo 12-3-1 6. (5) ▼ St. Francis-Mountain View 10-6 7. (4) ▼ Bellarmine-San Jose 12-4 8. (9) ▲ Tracy 14-2 9. (8) ▼ Vintage-Napa 10-4-1 10. (17) ▲ Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F. 12-3 11. (11) — Elk Grove 7-5 12. (13) ▲ Casa Grande-Petaluma 8-3 13. (5) ▲ Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills 9-2 14. (16) ▲ Acalanes-Lafayette 11-1 15. (NR) ▲ Leland-San Jose 12-3 16. (12) ▼ Los Gatos 11-7 17. (10) ▼ Maria Carrillo-Santa Rosa 7-5 18. (NR) ▲ Archbishop Mitty-San Jose 10-6 19. (NR) ▲ Palo Alto 12-2-1 20. (NR) ▲ Alameda 10-4 DROPPED OUT: No. 14. Marin CatholicKentfield, No. 18 California-San Ramon, No. 19 College Park-Pleasant Hill and No. 20 Woodcreek-Roseville BIGGEST MOVERS: The biggest mover was Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F., which vaulted seven spots after claiming back-to-back wins over the No. 3 and 4 teams from last week, Serra (3-1) and Bellarmine (2-1), respectively. Jesuit hopped five spots into the No. 2 spot this week after shellacking previous-No. 2 De La Salle 9-1.
Amador Valley’s reign of EBAL softball dominance will get a stiff test from the school’s biggest rival For a greater part of the last five seasons, the East Bay Athletic League softball landscape could have easily been viewed as Amador Valley-Pleasanton and everybody else. There certainly have been some strong runner-ups during that time, the 2014 Granada-Livermore team which lost to Amador Valley 2-1 in the North Coast Section Division I final would certainly be among them. However, for the most part, Amador Valley has ruled the EBAL roost for the last half decade and claimed three NCS titles along the way. When the Dons’ current run began in 2011, the team’s cross-town rival was heading an opposite direction. Foothill-Pleasanton won the NCS title in 2007 and followed up with an EBAL title in 2008 and a second-place EBAL finish in 2009. However, 2010 would mark the first of four straight years finishing with losing records both overall and in league. The low point came in 2012 when the Falcons finished 4-23 overall and 2-12 in the EBAL. That all seems like long forgotten history after Foothill took second in the EBAL (10-4) and closed the season with 18 wins a season ago. The 2016 Falcons look to be even better. After a 7-0 start to this season, Foothill was to face its first true measuring stick at the Livermore Stampede tournament from April 7-9. The Falcons drew what was widely considered the most competitive pool. The Stampede’s Pool D featured Alhambra-Martinez (the two-time defending NCS Div. II champion), Archbishop
Mitty-San Jose (the Central Coast Section Div. II defending champion) and St. Mary’s-Stockton (a 25-win team a season ago in the Sac-Joaquin Section). Foothill opened the tournament with a 3-0 win over St. Mary’s and then had to turn right back around and face Alhambra. The Falcons would push the Bulldogs to their limits. Foothill took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a Maddie Warren RBI single. Alhambra tied it in the next half inning on a home run by Cara DiMercurio. Warren gave the Falcons a 2-1 lead with another RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, but Alhambra’s power game brought it back again. Briana Perez led off the sixth with a double and Karlee Sparacino followed her with a two-run homer that would serve as the difference in a 3-2 Foothill loss. The Falcons had their game with Mitty the following day washed out by rain — along with the rest of the tournament — but the shutout of St. Mary’s and the toe-to-toe effort with Alhambra was enough to prove that Foothill was back among the East Bay elite. The Falcons followed up their tournament performance with EBAL wins over California-San Ramon and Carondelet-Concord, improving to 10-1 on the season and 4-0 in league. In addition to Warren, the cleanup-hitting senior first baseman, Foothill is getting big contributions from seniors Nalani Scates (pitcher), Megan Shackley (shortstop), Alana Mendez (centerfield) and Jenna Crawford (right field and leadoff hitter). Crawford is the youngest sister of San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford. Foothill will get its first shot at Amador Valley — which happens to be 11-2 overall through April 14 and ranked No. 1 in the SportStars NorCal Top 20 — at home on April 26. The teams will also face one another at Amador Valley on the final game of the regular season on May 19. ✪ — Story and photos by Chace Bryson
Records are through April 9 1. (1) — Amador Valley-Pleasanton 9-2 2. (3) ▲ Alhambra-Martinez 8-1 3. (4) ▲ East Union-Manteca 13-0 4. (2) ▼ Pioneer-San Jose 14-2 5. (9) ▲ Carlmont-Belmont 14-1 6. (14) ▲ Sheldon-Sacramento 12-2 7. (7) — Heritage-Brentwood 8-2 8. (11) ▲ Woodcreek-Roseville 10-1 9. (12) ▲ Rocklin 12-1 10. (5) ▼ Archbishop Mitty-San Jose 10-2 11. (17) ▲ Foothill-Pleasanton 8-1 12. (18) ▲ Vanden-Fairfield 8-0 13. (20) ▲ Oakdale 11-0 14. (8) ▼ Castro Valley 9-3 15. (13) ▼ Del Campo-Fair Oaks 7-2 16. (10) ▼ Benicia 7-3 17. (NR) ▲ Newark Memorial 8-4 18. (15) ▼ San Benito-Hollister 10-1 19. (19) — Leigh-San Jose 9-1 20. (NR) ▲ Whitney-Rocklin 11-3 DROPPED OUT: No. 6 Mt. Pleasant-San Jose and No. 16 Sierra-Manteca BIGGEST MOVERS: Despite the last day of Livermore Stampede being rained out, the tournament still had its fingerprints all over the rankings. Alhambra, which defeated teams Foothill and Mitty, moved to No. 2 after going 3-0 in what was easily the toughest of the Stampede’s four pools. Foothill went 1-1 in the pool and was leading Alhambra 2-1 after five innings before falling 3-2. Sheldon jumped eight spots to No. 6 after a 4-0 week.
MaGIc finding the
How do you find, and maintain, that perfect competitive balance where everything just feels easy?
get mental: erika carlson
P
reseason for spring sports is finishing up; league play is here. Teams are getting more comfortable with each other, players are finding their role on the team and pressure to perform consistently well is growing. This pressure can be a good thing — if pre-season is going well and confidence is strong. If pre-season has been rocky and inconsistent, the pressure can be problematic. Working on consistency can be one of the trickiest parts of being an athlete. Some days are excellent: you’re technically sound, physically strong and everything feels easy. Then the next day, the magic is gone. What happened? Where did it go? First, let’s look at what the magic is. Simply stated, it’s the the right balance of skill, stress and control. Let’s break it down. ›› SKILL — Most athletes spend at least 90 percent of their time developing their sport-specific skills. This is important, because without solid physical skills, stress and control don’t matter much. Coaches often are quite good at teaching this part of the sport and high school-age athletes are technically better than they’ve ever been. ›› STRESS — Sports tend to be quite stressful, extremely stressful for some. Stressful situations force us to focus and engage, which is good. But to perform well, stress needs to be managed. I often talk to my athletes about the “magic combination” of having an energized, ready-for-battle-body (below the shoulders) and a calm, cool and collected brain (above the shoulders). While each sport requires a slightly different ratio of ideal stress (think golf vs. football) each athlete requires his or her own unique magic combination. ›› CONTROL — The type of stress we experience just before competition (pre-performance stress) results in feeling jittery, sweaty. One’s thinking speeds up and for some, a nauseous stomach arrives. These are all symptoms of adrenaline surging through our body. Channeled properly, adrenaline is like rocket fuel for our muscles. But if left unchecked, surging adrenaline can destroy our
performance. Proactively controlling your stress response is key. So how do you achieve your personal magic combination? Regarding Skill: Again, most athletes spend most of their time on this. The question is, do you spend enough time practicing at the same intensity level that you use in a game? Most athletes don’t. This solution is simple, dial up the intensity this week in practice. If you normally practice at a Level 6 intensity, push yourself to practice at a Level 8. Play faster, more aggressively, and set tough goals for yourself. Practice getting more comfortable being uncomfortable. Regarding Stress: Your ideal stress level should allow for slow thinking, a strong sense of confidence and feeling in control of your body. First, you need to assess your personal ideal levels of stress, for above and below the shoulders. If you’re a golfer, or in the batters box (baseball and softball), your ideal body stress level will still be on the low side (3-5). If you play lacrosse or volleyball, you will need a higher level of body stress (7-9) to prepare you for contact and allow your body to generate explosive movement. Once you’ve assessed your ideal stress levels, it’s time to learn how to raise and lower (control!) your magic combination. Regarding Control: How much time do you practice controlling your stress in preparation for competition? The good news is there are simple ways to make a big difference in controlling your stress levels.
HOw TO DEcREasE sTREss ›› Be prepared. There is no better way to increase confidence than improving your preparation. Your goal should be to arrive at a competition feeling like you’ve earned the right to be confident. ›› Practice simple thinking. In practice, challenge yourself to make thinking as concise as possible, then add intensity (speed, aggressiveness) and try and maintain your simple thinking. ›› Breathe. I cannot overstate the value that slow, deep belly breathing can have on your mental performance. It will help you to feel in control of your body which will give you a sense of control mentally.
HOw TO IncREasE sTREss ›› Warm-up with intensity. Challenge yourself to engage in warm-ups at the same intensity level as you will play in the game. Doing so helps make an easier transition into the game and allows you to get more comfortable playing at a high intensity level. Tip: If you can play the first five minutes of your game well, you will have a competitive advantage over those who are still trying to adjust to the game’s intensity. ›› Listen to pump-up music. It’s no secret that music can be a great pre-game motivator. If you need to get fired up (increase intensity) then music is a direct line to your nervous system. ›› Keep moving. The goal of raising stress is to increase intensity, but it’s still important to manage tension that may keep us from performing the technical parts of our sport (ex. good passes, fast digs, knowing our options). Jumping on your toes, arm swings, tensing and releasing your shoulders can be helpful to keep intensity high while keeping the steady stream of adrenaline moving throughout your body. Consistency in performance is challenging, but not impossible. Your homework: Find your own personal magic combination that reflects your personal needs and the needs of your sport and position. Good luck out there! ✪ Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.
BADMINTON › East Bay Badminton If you are interested in the competitive sport of badminton, you have to come to one or more of our nine, week-long summer camps. We have 19-and-under to adult classes. Eastbay Badminton Association is a full service facility dedicated entirely to the sport of badminton. Your satisfaction is our main goal! Info: 510-655-8989; info@eastbaybadminton.com BASEBALL › All American Sports Academy Recognized among the top year-round indoor training facilities for baseball & softball, AASA offers camps in hitting, fielding, defense, baserunning, speed/agility, pitching and catching. Three locations. Info: www.allamericansportsacademy. net (209) 833-BALL(2255) › All Star Academy of Baseball Utilizing our own 17,000 square-foot facility in Santa Clara, as well as the Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale, ASA offers six of week-long All-Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and two Advanced Boot Camps — one for middle school and one for high school players. Info: 650-961-2255; www. asabaseball.com › Blankenship Bulls Summer Baseball Camps Former MLB player Lance Blankenship will hold his camps & programs from May through August, followed by a fall program and winter training. Camps open to 13U to college level. Camps include All Skills (June 13-15, July 11-13) and Big Bat Hit Camps (June 13-15, July 11-13). All Skills camps run 9am-noon and Big Bat camps go 12:302:30pm. Info: Blankenshipbaseball.com; 925-7083173; Blankenshipbulls@gmail.com › Total Player Center At TCP we keep our student to instructor ratios low to ensure the best possible instruction experience. Each camp is designed for specific skill development. We feature camps for ages 5-7 to the most elite high school players. Camps include games, competitions. Located in Livermore. Info: thepitchingcenter.com; 925-416-1600; info@thepitchingcenter.com › De La Salle Baseball Camp This camp gives young players a chance to further develop their skills. Emphasizes proper techniques for each player’s position and each segment of the game (running, stealing, throwing, receiving, hitting, bunting, pitching, catching, outfield and infield play). We use drills and practice as well as games/scrimmages. Two sessions available. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925/288-8100
› Dynamite Sports Speed Baseball/Softball Speed Clinic Contact us to inquire about our in-season and offseason clinicsw. To get started we will give you a FREE assessment/evaluation and two FREE small group training sessions. Info: info@DynamiteSportsSpeed.com › Headfirst Baseball Academy & Summer Camps Our basic mission is to train young players who are willing to work hard to make the next level. We are proven in the area of recruiting talented players and development. Headfirst has proven relationships with colleges that result in players being connected with desired school. Info: MJi0209@ aol.com; Mario74iglesias@aol.com › Mike Murphy Baseball Academy Mike Murphy Baseball is a nationally recognized baseball and softball academy. We’ve been training players in the Bay Area since 1998. MMB trains all levels. Our private instruction, group classes, camps and clinics are the most comprehensive and detailed of any academy in the country. Lets get swinging! Info: mikemurphybaseball.com; 925798-4487; mikemurphybaseball@att.net
› San Ramon Slammers We’re a member of the East Bay Club Baseball League, organized for the benefit of HS baseball players who wish to play competitive baseball but are unable to play for their own school. One practice per week held at a local high school or city park, with a second practice at an indoor baseball facility. Info: www.slammersbc.org/; eastbayclubbaseball@gmail.com › South Bay Sports Training Based in Saratoga, we offer camps across both spring break and summer for ages 6-14. Info: www.southbaytraining.com; (408) 283-0643; southbaytraining@aol.com BASKETBALL › Advantage Basketball Camps For kids 7-18, we offer the ultimate sports training experience. Main focus is ball handling and moves off the dribble. Also cover shooting, defense. Agoura Hills, Anaheim, Apple Valley, Calabasas, Carson, Claremont, La Cañada, Lake Forest, Lincoln, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, Rocklin & San Diego. Info: www.advantagebasketball. com; 425-670-8877; info@advantagebasketball.com
› Bentley School Summer Camp All camps coed and offer instruction, coaching Monday-Friday. Open to rising 6th through 9th graders. Three sessions: Shooting Camp (June 1416) and two All Skills Camps (June 20-23, June 27-30). Info: Rob Rafeh, Director, rrafeh@bentleyschool.net, (925) 283-2101 ext. 3241 › Cal Basketball for Girls Provides instruction for players of all skill levels, as we emphasize individual improvement, fundamental skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and enjoyment. We aim to develop and improve both basic and advanced skills such as shooting, passing, ball handling, and footwork. All interest levels and abilities welcome. Info: 1-800-NIKE CAMPS or info@ ussportscamps.com › Bear For A Day Camp A unique girls skills camp with focus on preparing for the next level. Geared for the skilled and motivated athlete. Cal head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, along with her assistant coaches and players, will help improve your game by providing elite on-court training as well as film sessions and clinics. This camp provides an inside view of the Cal Women’s Basketball experience. Info: 1-800-NIKE CAMPS or info@ussportscamps.com › De La Salle Basketball Camp Play Hard, Play Together, Play Smart and have fun! All campers will have a great camp experience and, most importantly, have fun. We educate each camper so they have a solid base at becoming the best they can be. Six sessions available. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs. org; 925/288-8100 › East Bay Bulldogs Our club program is open to boys and girls, 2nd grade to high school varsity. Last year, we had 21 teams for spring including four girls teams and three high school boys teams. The beauty of the Bulldogs is we have room the elite player and the beginner. Offerings in the fall, summer, as well as skills clinics. Info: www.leaguelineup.com/ebbulldogs; 925-570-1334 › Excel in Basketball Series of instructional camps geared to provide instruction in basketball fundamentals to boys and girls in grades 1-12. We pledge to continue our emphasis on fundamentals and developing young athletes to be fine players and fine people. Info: www. excelinbasketball.com; excelcamp@gmail.com › Fastbreak Basketball Camps Former Carondelet coach Margaret Gartner leads three week-long sessions for boys and girls in grades 2-8. If your child wants to learn and improve basketball fundamentals and skills while
having fun, then FastBreak Basketball camp is the answer. Camps are held from 10am-2pm each day at NorCal Courts in Martinez Info: fastbreak_club@ yahoo.com or (925) 933-9115. › Elevate Basketball Camps & Clinics Elevate is a new 5,700 square foot facility in Concord. We will be hosting summer clinics for both boys and girls. Camps are focused on overall skill development and are fast paced and fun. Camp will include station work, group skills & drills, contests and more. Athletes will be placed in groups based on age and ability. Info: elevatebasketballtraining.com; 925.323.4527 › Modesto Magic Basketball Association If you are a girl ages 4-17 and you love basketball, we are here to help you take your game to the next level. We offer leagues, camps, clinics, tournaments, private lessons and AAU traveling teams. Info: Stan Silva, 209-765-5107; ssilva1920@aol. com › St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Camp Our girls camp is open to grades 5-9 with two sessions (morning, afternoon) from June 13-17. We teach fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, rebounding, and shooting. Campers work under varsity coach Vic Pitton, his coaching staff, and current St. Francis varsity players. Info: 916-7375040; summer@stfrancishs.org CHEER/DANCE › Make Me A Pro Cheer Camp Fun camp for ages 5-13 where our experienced staff will challenge campers to be the best that they can be. Techniques taught through fun drills, games and we end week with a performance for parents. Age appropriate stunts may also be taught. One session: June 13-17 from 9am-noon at Gellert Park’s turf field in Daly City. Info: mmapsports. com; 510-677-702 › VELOCITY All-Star Cheer We’re a competitive All Star Cheerleading and Tumbling gym in Antioch. All classes geared toward achieving your child’s goals while having fun, and offer ordinary kids the opportunity to become extraordinary through hard work, determination! Competitive All-Star cheerleading for ages 3-18; Recreational tumbling for ages 3-18 + MORE. Info: velocityallstarscheer.com › Xtreme Cheer Camps Xtreme is a competitive all-star cheerleading, dance and recreational tumbling gym in Antioch. Staff includes enthusiastic, trained professionals. Classes fast-paced, fun and geared toward achieving your child’s goals. Info: 925-565-5464; xtremetumbleandcheergym@yahoo.com
COMMUNITY CENTER › Community Youth Center The CYC is a state-of-the-art sports, academic center in Concord where youth ages 3-18 thrive in a dynamic, positive environment. CYC is proud to manage 10 sports programs and an academic excellence center offering a variety of camps for youth featuring excellent coaches and fun activities. Info: communityyouthcenter.org; (925) 6717070 or email: Lmatheny@cycmail.org ENRICHMENT › Eye Level Walnut Creek Eye Level is a systematic, individualized program that caters to students of all abilities utilizing a unique and proven method. This allows each child to have a customized starting point, regardless of his/her age or school grade. Eye Level Walnut Creek has summer and year-round camps in English, Math, Critical Thinking and more. Info: 925-943-6674 FITNESS/TRAINING › 2G Strength & Conditioning Camps 2G Sports and Fitness camp designed to help core and overall strength while improving speed and endurance. All exercises will be body weight or manual resistant (no free weights, machines). Working shoulders, back, chest, arms, abs and legs. Conditioning will be through running and circuit training. Brentwood camp days are Tue. and Thurs. from 5-6pm. at Balfour Guthrie Park. Camp runs six weeks from April-May. The Pleasant Hill camp runs Mon-Thurs. from 5:30-7pm at Christ the King School. Six weeks available from June to early Aug. Info: www.2gsf.com/ › Children’s Hospital Individual Sports Training Train 1-on-1 or in a semi-private session and experience an exercise program specifically designed to meet your personal fitness goals. Program includes in-clinic and on-field sessions involving both initial evaluations and training. Available to young athletes of all types, age 8+ years and either the Oakland or Walnut Creek locations. Prices vary. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › Children’s Hospital Summer Circuit Series Fun group class that focuses on upper and lower body strength, core stability and balance. An upbeat and active class focusing on strength, flexibility, coordination and balance through fun games. Open to all athletes aged 12-18. Classes are 5-6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from June 20Aug. 12. $20 for drop-in or $144 for 12 classes. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › Children’s Hospital F.A.S.T for Athletes Teaches progressive approach to speed, agility techniques and introduces proper techniques of
functional strength training and power exercises. Available to young athletes of all types, ages 14-18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5-6 pm) in Walnut Creek and Thursdays (7-8pm) in Oakland. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › Children’s Hospital Sport-Specific Training Six-week sport-specific training with pre- and post-testing. Football, baseball/softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, track, volleyball and cheer. Boys, girls athletes of all levels, ages 8 to 18. Call for details and availability. Info: Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › Children’s Hospital Summer Sports Speed Camps Put into practice five pillars of SPEED training. Emphasizing flexibility, stability, strength, power and speed. Two-week program best suited for athletes who play soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse or track & field. Ages 12-19, limited to 15 athletes per session. Two sessions offered, morning at Athenian High in Danville or afternoon at Berkeley High. Info: Call Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › Children’s Hospital Team Sport Testing & Training Whether you are looking to help prepare during the offseason or complement your in-season schedule, we will maximize the development of speed, quickness, strength, movement skills, energy system conditioning, mobility and stability with team training. Options include fitness and performance assessments, to nutritional advice and meal planning. Fully customizable. Open to ages 8-18. Call for details. Info: Call Krisi Bruce, (925) 979-3420 › De La Salle Strength & Conditioning (HS) Our high school strength clinics are in place to train incoming 9th-10th graders. Development movements/exercises emphasized to develop the young athlete’s core, neurological system, kinetic chain, range of motion, flexibility and speed & agility. We teach proper lifting techniques and resistance training. Three sessions available. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 › Speed 4 Your Sport Training Focus on run and sprint mechanics, agility, change of direction and cardio conditioning and gain strides. Train two days per week in one hour sessions with S4S in Pleasanton. The better your athleticism is, the better you compete. Info: (510) 565-6120; thespeedpro@hotmail.com › Sports Speed Academy Our focus is getting you to run your fastest. Whether its football, basketball, baseball, soccer or track
and field, our system will improve your mechanics and increase speed. NCAA 100-meter champion and Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart has created the “Sports Speed Curriculum” to improve speed in all sports. Info: 925.516.8522; admin@ sportsspeedacademy.com FOOTBALL › 2G Sports & Fitness Linemen Skills Camp This is a non-contact camp for players 10-14. Tailored to developing a solid foundation, effective techniques in defensive and offensive lines. Camp in Brentwood from June 27-30 (9-10:30am). Info: www.2gsf.com/ › Artie Gigantino Football 1-on-1 Clinics Artie Gigantino is a former coach and executive with the Raiders, Rams, Cal and USC. Gigantino provides honest, candid, realistic and professional evaluations, specific position technique training and football related guidance. Get game, practice evaluations, specific position training, safe tackling and blocking techniques, recruiting consultation, in-season and offseason advice on summer camps and a training budget. All ages, grades and levels of abilities welcome. Info: artiesports@yahoo.com › Berean Christian High FCA Camp Berean Christian FCA Football Camp takes the best attributes of an athletic-focused camp and a spiritual-focused camp and combines them. June 27-30, 9am-2pm at BCHS in Walnut Creek. Grades 3-9. Instructors include current & former NFL players such as Sean Dawkins (1993 first-round pick) and Matt Overton (current Colts longsnapper). Info: 925-945-6464 › California Football Academy Our coed flag football league is great for boys and girls ages 4-14 who want to enjoy a fun, fast game of football. Beginners to advanced players will practice fundamentals, while learning good sportsmanship and participation. Our tackle camp is offered in the spring. New is our summer multisport camps. Oakley, Concord and San Ramon. Info: www.californiafootballacademy.com/; 925625-2222 › Campolindo Full-Gear Youth Camp Learn from a state championship program. We develop fundamentals, techniques associated with tackle football (contact based on level of readiness). Campolindo head coach Kevin Macy has been conducting camps in Moraga for more than a decade. Camp staffed with full complement of experienced coaches and certified trainer. Grades 4-8. Info: campofootball.net; (925) 280-3950 x5163; kmacy@acalanes.k12.ca.us
› Bob Ladouceur’s Championship Football Camp (De La Salle) Established in 1988 to help teach sound, fundamental offensive and defensive football techniques to the pre-high schoolers. Coaching staff uses demonstration, individual drills to teach basic skills to both beginning and experienced players. Proper warm-up, physical conditioning, drills and review. Full contact is not a priority. June 13-16. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 › Clayton Valley Future Champions Non-Contact Camp Practice safer blocking, tackling, shed blocking and ball control technique at our youth camp. Our main goal is to see that your child has a safe football season. Taught by varsity coach Tim Murphy and the CHCHS staff, held at Clayton Valley Charter HS in Concord. June 13-16, 5-8 p.m. $100/ player. Info: claytonvalleyfootball.com or Mike Dominguez at coach.dmngz@gmail.com › De La Salle QB/Wide Receiver Camp We create environment of greater understanding of and proficiency with the fundamentals, techniques, skills, motivation and sportsmanship necessary for success at individual offensive skill positions. QBs — Stance, exchange, drops, set-up, sprint out, play action, screens, ball handling, option, reading defenses and field leadership. WRs — Stance, start, release, route running, cuts, receiving, blocking and reading defense. Two sessions. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs. org; 925-288-8100 › De La Salle Lineman Camp Non-contact, technique-oriented lineman camp that focuses on footwork and hand placement. One session June 20-23. Info: www.dlshs.org/ athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925288-8100 › Future Warriors Football Camp Camp is for any students entering 5th-8th grade. It is a FREE camp to help educate and enhance our community with basic knowledge to be successful. Ygnacio Valley HS June 6-9, run by the Ygnacio Valley football program. Info: email Coach Phillip Puentes at coachpuentes@gmail.com › Moreau Catholic Coach Cotter Camp Coach Cotter Non-Contact Football Camp designed for everyone to have fun while learning essential skills in non-contact environment. Learn skills for all offensive and defensive positions. Each day concludes with “Mariner Ball,” a fun touch football game. Info: moreaucatholic.org/Athletics; Coach Cotter, (510)-881-4333; acotter@moreaucatholic.org
› Rising Stars QB Challenge One-day event aimed at providing a unique, unmatched experience to the region’s top QB talents. Will challenge physical, mental and on-the-field skills. Partnered with National Scouting Report, a service that helps improve athletes’ chances of getting recruited. May 28 at Analy High in Sebastopol. Info/registration: www.d1quarterback.com › Trench Camp For high school offensive and defensive linemen, this is the premier camp for linemen. Using former NFL Super Bowl champs and All-Pro linemen to teach footwork, technique and attitude. July 22-24 at Sequoia High in Redwood City. Info: trenchcamp.com GOLF › San Ramon Golf Club Jr. Golf Our summer junior programs designed to introduce golf to the junior as “the Game of a Lifetime.” Camps include Beginner Camp (ages 5-11) where each camper will learn grip, posture and aiming, and Day Camp (intermediate level) for players who want to learn how to shoot lower scores. Players spend quality time on the course with a coach in each group. Info: golfsanramon.com/tri-valleyjunior-golf/ LACROSSE › Booth Lacrosse We offer two-day instructional clinics for 4th-12th graders, as well as specialty/positional clinics. Camps held in the East Bay, Marin, El Dorado Hills and South Bay. Info: 415-450-5359; info@boothlacrosse.com › Colin Knightly Lacrosse Clinics Training Center classes and lessons are for experienced players looking to take their skills to the next level, or beginners who interested in a new sport. Private lessons for boys ages U9-U19. Sessions mostly consist of speed and agility, stick skills, game concepts and 1v1s. Walnut Creek. Info: info@ColinKnightlyLacrosse.com; 925-338-1260 › De La Salle Lacrosse Camp Youth players learn what we teach our JV and varsity players. Learn proper shooting form, sliding techniques, how to move off-ball and gain valuable knowledge and insight into the game. Emphasis on understanding why we do something on the field. Youth players walk away with a much better understanding of the game. Info: www.dlshs. org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925/288-8100 › St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Summer Lacrosse Camps For girls grades 5-9, June 13-17. Learn basic stick skills, practice shooting and scoring, and work on
defensive technique. No prior experience needed. We work on fundamental skills. Info: 916-7375040; summer@stfrancishs.org MARTIAL ARTS › Cal Camps: Martial Arts Run by UC Martial Arts staff, goals are quality instruction, techniques and knowledge of martial arts; encourage youth to enrich lives through fitness of mind and body; and promote development of positive personal character. Judo, Taekwondo, and Yongmudo. Info: camps.berkeley.edu › USKS (United States Karate Systems) Adult and children’s programs, kick box fitness, mixed martial arts. Providing excellence in martial arts instruction and services for the entire family. 925-682-9517; www.usksmartialarts.com. MULTI-SPORT › City of Walnut Creek Sports Camp For ages 8-13, program consists of eight week sessions with choice of two different sports for each session and a ninth week offering bowling. Designed to teach training skills, basic individual skills, sportsmanship, team strategies as well as building confidence and self discipline. Golf, tennis, baseball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball and bowling. Info: www.walnutcreekrec. org; (925) 943-5858 › City of Walnut Creek Skyhawk Camps Skyhawk Sports, in cooperation with Walnut Creek Recreation Division, is offering a partial day sports program for ages 3-8. Tiny-Hawk camp (ages 3-4) includes introductory skills, orientation to team play and unique games. Mini-Hawk camp (4-6) introduces sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball. Individual sport camps (5-8) are golf, basketball, soccer, baseball, flag rugby, cheerleading, volleyball and flag football. Info: www.walnutcreekrec.org; 925-943-5858 › Dynamic Sports for Kids Promotes, fun, fitness and friends. Run by physical education teachers, camp is at Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale where children of all skill levels learn the basics of sports and games of their choosing. Each day will offer many options of sports and games to be played after a short fitness based round of activities. Camps will be held Mon.-Fri. from 9am-noon and 1-4pm. Sign up for both sessions and receive a healthy lunch option from our in-house kitchen. Info: dynamicssc.com; aubrie@dynamicssc.com › Make Me A Pro Clinic For ages 5-12 and offers a variety of sports, taught through fun games and drills. Whether your child’s interest is soccer or flag football, or just to have fun, meet friends and get in shape, then this camp
is for you. Wednesdays April 13-May 18 from 3:30-4:15pm at Gellert Park’s turf field in Daly City. Info: mmapsports.com; 510-677-7024 › Renaissance ClubSport We offer spring and summer sports and speciality camps for kids ages 5-12. Participants have funfilled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects. Families with multiple children, we offer a 10% sibling discount. Info: Kids World at 925.942.6344. OUTDOORS/ADVENTURE › Cal Adventures Cal Adventures is the Outdoor Experiential Education Program at UC Berkeley. Through sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking classes and various custom designed trips and day programs, we provide you with new skills, adventure and memories. Affiliation with the University of California is not required. Info: 510-642-4000; rsweb@berkeley.edu › Camp Concord Youth Camps Week-long youth camps. Enjoy all the fun-filled traditions of camp — canoeing, crawdad fishing, archery, hiking, volleyball, swimming, Lake Tahoe beach fun, dances, skits, campfires, and horseback riding — combined with a one-day escape to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park where we will zip line, tree climb, and challenge ourselves. Ages 9-13. Space limited. Two sessions available. Info: www.ConcordReg.org; (925) 671-3404 SOCCER › Bentley School Summer Camp All camps are coed and offer instruction and coaching Monday-Friday. Soccer for rising 9th-12th graders: Aug. 8-13. Bentley’s Lafayette Campus athletics facilities include a large synthetic turf field and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Info: Rob Rafeh, Director, rrafeh@bentleyschool.net, (925) 283-2101 ext. 3241 › De La Salle Soccer Camp Terrific opportunity for boys and girls who look to excel in all aspects. Expect to participate in competitive drills, skill development exercises and daily competitions between campers. One session, June 27-30. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 › De La Salle Soccer Academy Advanced-level for elite players from 8th-12th grade who are looking to excel. Focus on technique, increasing tactical awareness and position specific functional training. Aug. 1-3. Info: www. dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs. org; 925-288-8100 › Gino’s Soccer Academy/Walnut Creek SC Official camp of Walnut Creek Soccer Club. Run
by WCSC Director of Coaching Tom Ginocchio and staffed with WCSC club coaches & players. Five one-week programs for kids age 4-17. For advanced as well as the beginning player. Camp drills and games will be run to accommodate and skill level. Info: www.ginossocceracademy.com, 925-937-4466 › Make Me A Pro Soccer Camp For ages 5-12. Students work to improve basic skills of dribbling, passing, shooting, trapping and heading and new soccer techniques. All skills taught through fun and engaging methods. June 13-17 and Aug. 13-17, all 9am-noon at Gellert Park turf field in Daly City. Info: mmapsports.com; 510-677-702 › St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Soccer Camps Grades 5-9, June 13-17. Provides chance for your student athlete to familiarize herself with the St. Francis program. All elements of the game emphasized, including warm-up, trapping, dribbling, passing, shooting, small-sided games and stretching. Both individual fundamentals and team strategies will be accentuated. Info: 916-737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org SOFTBALL › St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Softball Camps Grades 5-9, June 13-17. Fielding, both infield and outfield, hitting, throwing and various types of bunting techniques will be illustrated. Also pitching and catching techniques and proper base running. Info: 916-737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org SWIMMING/DIVING › Cal Diving Springboard diving is a safe and fun sport offering both physical and mental skill-building elements. Todd Mulzet (UC Berkeley’s head diving coach) guides overall training program. We offer training for all: first-time divers, to elite, senior, Junior Olympic and Masters level. Classes, private lessons and is building competitive teams at every level. Info: www.CALdiving.org; 510-859-3149; SSO@ CALdiving.org. › Cal Swimming Camp Directed by UC Berkeley and Olympic Coach Teri McKeever we offer two weeks of outstanding stroke technique camps on the Cal campus. For competitive swimmers age 9-16 with three daily water sessions and one dry-land session. Camperto-staff ratio is 10:1. Info: www.ussportscamps. com; 1-800-NIKE-CAMP › Sherman Swim & Diving School Located in Lafayette, our year-round schedule
allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve skills. Lessons are offered on M-W-F and T-Th over 3-4 weeks. We teach 9 months to adults and non-swimmers to competitive levels. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. Also offer beginning and competitive diving. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim. com. › Santa Clara Aquamaids Jump in and learn the basics of synchronized swimming! The Santa Clara Aquamaids are looking for swimmers, ages 7-12 who are eager to learn, attentive, able to follow directions and work cooperatively in a group setting. The Santa Clara Aquamaids have been producing world-class synchronized swimmers and Olympic athletes since 1964. Info: 877 722-4630; 408 988-9936; info@ aquamaids.org TENNIS › Tompkins Tennis We run the top year-round Junior program in NoCal. We produce more nationally ranked juniors than any other program. Richard Tompkins and his highly trained staff of pros and former Div. I college players specialize in juniors, ages of 6-18. Camp Locations: Fremont, Livermore, Monterrey, San Ramon, Pebble Beach. Info: tompkinssport. com; (510)-573-4025 TRACK & FIELD › De La Salle Track & Field Camp Work with outstanding coaches and athletes, featuring personalized instruction in high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, sprints, hurdles, relays and distance events. Learn warm-up and strengthening routines necessary for maximizing performance and reaching goals. Attention given to the mental component. One session. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 VOLLEYBALL › Bay Area Volleyball Summer Skills Clinics We have a variety of summer options that include a Sand Program (ages 12-18), Skills/Drills (14-18), Youth Camp (9-14) and more. In Concord. Info: www.bayareavolleyballclub.com/; (925) 969-9236 › City Beach Volleyball Club Developing players is our focus. We teach players to earn successes and learn from losses. We offer a wide variety of camps and clinics to serve junior girl players of all experience levels. Info: citybeachvb.com/camps-clinics/; (408) 654-9330 › De La Salle Volleyball Camp This camp gives boys and girls entering grades 4-9 opportunity to learn from the DLS coaching staff
and former standout athletes. Emphasize proper techniques for each position and segment of the game. One session. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/ summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 › Diablo Valley Volleyball Club Nine one-week skills sessions offered from JuneAugust. Camps differ in age groups, some coed and some boys or girls only. Space is limited. Two sessions in Brentwood, six in Walnut Creek. Info: www.diablovolleyball.org; DiabloVBC@yahoo. com › Moreau Catholic Volleyball Camp Our girls camp is for incoming grades 6-9 and taught by varsity coach Ami Schelin. One sessions. Come learn how the Mariners do things. Info: moreaucatholic.org/Athletics; aschelin@moreaucatholic.org; › St. Francis Catholic High School (Sacramento) Volleyball Camp Camp is three sessions; one for grades 5-9 (June 6-10), one for grades 5-6 (July 11-15) and one for grades 7-9 (July 11-15). This is a beginning level camp. Be taught the basic skills, learn how to pass, set, hit, serve, and do basic defensive moves. Campers split up according to skill level. Info: 916737-5040; summer@stfrancishs.org WATER POLO › De La Salle Water Polo Camp Great opportunity for boys and girls to learn the game or enhance the skills. Youth players will learn all aspects of the sport from our experienced staff. Two sessions in August. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-2888100 WRESTLING › Community Youth Center Wrestling The CYC in Concord offers three types of weeklong (July & August) wrestling camps. The Elementary Camp for ages 5-10, The All Corners Camp for ages 11-18, and the Advanced Camp serves the same age group and runs in August. Each camp runs from 9am-3pm at the CYC. Camp fees vary. Info: communityyouthcenter.org; (925) 671-7070 › De La Salle Wrestling Camp Designed as an introductory and intermediate level camp. We emphasize fundamentals needed to learn more advanced skills and tactics. Five different learning components: Proper warm-up (stretching and lead-up exercises), kinesthetic awareness exercises (tumbling), review of basic skills and/or new skills, live wrestling and games. One session available. Info: www.dlshs.org/athletics/summer/; summercamps@dlshs.org; 925-288-8100 ✪