Skill Building and Support: Why Athletes Kendal Ray and Liv Mattern Thrive at NCR Volleyball Camps
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
For young athletes stepping into a high-level volleyball camp, the experience can be a mix of excitement and nerves. Will the competition be too intense? Will the coaches be supportive? Will it be easy to make friends?
Athletes Kendal Ray and Liv Mattern recently attended a North Country Region (NCR) Volleyball camp and found that the answer to all those questions points to a resounding, positive experience. They discovered a camp environment that perfectly balances intense, high-effort competition with an overwhelmingly supportive coaching staff and peer group.
For players and parents researching the best development camps, Kendal and Liv’s testimonial provides valuable insight into the culture, skill-building, and community you can expect at an NCR event.
High Energy and Elite Competition: The Confirmation Game
A hallmark of a great sports camp is its ability to make challenging drills genuinely fun. For Kendal and Liv, the absolute highlight of the NCR camp was a drill known as the "confirmation game."
"We liked the confirmation game, and what made it fun was that everyone was just talking really loud, giving each other high fives, and encouraging each other," the athletes shared.
But make no mistake — the fun environment didn't subtract from the intensity. The drill pushed the athletes to their limits. "It was really challenging because everyone was going to the ball and going all out," they noted. "Every swing, every pass." This blend of high-energy encouragement and all-out physical effort is what drives true athletic improvement.
Tangible Technical Growth on the Court
While the high-energy games are memorable, the core purpose of an NCR camp is technical development. The coaching staff focuses on breaking down bad habits and introducing advanced mechanics tailored to specific positions.
Both athletes walked away with highly specific skills to bring back to their regular seasons:
Footwork and Transitioning: Kendal focused on her movement off the net. "I like to shuffle back instead of opening to the court and transitioning, so that is really something that I'm working on," she explained.
Court Awareness for Liberos: For Liv, playing the libero position meant learning to process the game faster. "One of the skills I learned as a libero is, after you pass the ball, to read the other side of the court... and see what game they're playing and where they're at for hitters' shots."
A Coaching Staff That Truly Cares
Technical feedback is only effective if it is delivered by coaches who engage with their players. Kendal and Liv were quick to express their gratitude for the NCR coaching staff, highlighting their hands-on, positive approach.
"We just thank all the coaches for coming here and really engaging with us," they said. "After every skill we did, they would come up and give high fives and tell us we did good."
More than just cheerleaders, the coaches created an environment of genuine investment. "I feel like they really wanted us to actually get better and were here for us."
Overcoming Nerves: Advice for First-Time Campers
Attending a new camp can be intimidating, especially if you don't know anyone. While Kendal and Liv knew each other before the event, they emphasized how easy it was to expand their circle. Their biggest piece of advice for newcomers? Don't let nerves hold you back.
"Go out there and make friends, talk to a lot of people, because everyone's just as nervous as you are and doesn't really know anyone," they advise. "Everyone wants to be friends."
Combine that welcoming social environment with "high-level competition and lots of feedback from every coach," and you have a recipe for a highly successful camp experience.
The Verdict: Coming Back for More
When asked if they plan to return to NCR Volleyball programming, the duo didn't hesitate.
"We would love to attend again. We will attend again because we just love the feedback that we were given from all the coaches, and just the encouragement."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the competition level like at an NCR Volleyball camp?
NCR Volleyball camps feature high-level competition. Athletes are expected to give all-out effort on every swing and pass. Drills are designed to be challenging and fast-paced, pushing players to elevate their game alongside talented peers.
Do coaches provide individual feedback at NCR events?
Yes. A major focus of NCR camps is providing athletes with frequent, individualized feedback. Coaches work with players on specific positional mechanics — like a libero reading the opponent's hitters or a front-row player improving their transition footwork — while providing constant positive reinforcement.
Is it easy to make friends at an NCR Volleyball camp?
Absolutely. While many athletes arrive feeling nervous or not knowing anyone, the camp environment is highly encouraging. Campers are urged to introduce themselves, as the shared challenge of the drills quickly breaks the ice and helps athletes build a strong network of friends within the volleyball community.
