Why Athletic Trainer Sonja Squiers Recommends the NCR Volleyball Experience
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
When athletes and their families evaluate youth volleyball events, they often start with a familiar checklist: Is the competition rigorous? Will there be college exposure? Is it an engaging environment? While high-level play is what initially draws players to North Country Region (NCR) Volleyball events, what athletic trainer Sonja Squiers discovered went far deeper into community and professional development.
During her time working at an NCR Volleyball camp, Sonja — who also serves as an assistant athletic trainer at Crown College — found an environment intentionally designed around athlete safety, technical progression, and a tight-knit volleyball community.
For aspiring players, parents, and sports medicine professionals navigating the youth sports landscape, Sonja's firsthand experience provides a great inside look at what you can expect when you step onto the court.
A Safe Environment for Elite Competition
A major challenge in youth sports is balancing elite, competitive play with proper athlete safety and injury prevention. Many high-intensity camps risk burning out young athletes or pushing them beyond safe physical limits.
NCR Volleyball solves this by creating an environment where high-level play and safety go hand in hand.
"Luckily, I haven't had to get too busy on the injury front here at the camp, which is awesome," Sonja explains. "Everyone's staying safe, but it's just been really fun getting to watch some really high-level, high school athletes do what they do best — something that they might not get the chance to do every day with their clubs."
This structured balance gives athletes the platform to compete fiercely, while giving parents and staff the peace of mind that their physical well-being is heavily prioritized.
Professional Growth: Reading the Game
For athletic trainers and volunteer coaches, working a camp can sometimes feel like a grueling shift. However, Sonja found that the culture at NCR events did the exact opposite — it provided a dynamic space for her own professional growth.
In an era where sports medicine is constantly evolving, observing athletes in a high-caliber setting allows trainers to refine their preventative care strategies.
"As an athletic trainer, I guess one thing that I've been learning how to do a little bit better is reading the biomechanics of some of the athletes," says Sonja. "Watching that serving and passing as they play — I really like it."
By studying these specific movements in real-time, staff can better understand the physical demands of volleyball, ultimately leading to better injury prevention and performance care.
More Than a Game: Building the Volleyball Community
A sports organization's culture is only as strong as the staff it brings together. To truly develop successful players, the coaches and medical personnel must be engaged, knowledgeable, and supportive.
Sonja notes that the networking and community-building at the NCR event exceeded her expectations.
"It's been actually really fun getting to know the coaches a little bit better working here," Sonja shares. "I love making connections with the volleyball community around, and these coaches are absolutely awesome. I actually got to hang out with one of the coaches I work with at Crown College."
The staff's shared passion creates a high-energy environment that trickles down to the players, fostering a sense of community that makes the camp memorable for everyone involved.
The Verdict: A Highly Recommended Community for Athletes
Whether you are a player looking to elevate your game with peers who share your drive, or a professional looking to support the next generation of talent, Sonja's final verdict is definitive.
"For someone who's never been to this camp before, the energy is just so awesome. The staff and coaches are so helpful and so knowledgeable," Sonja concludes. "There's just so much support and community amongst the girls here, which is super, super cool. You should definitely come. As an athletic trainer, I would absolutely love to come back. NCR has been super, super awesome at supporting me here, and I'm happy to give my support back."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the competition level like at NCR Volleyball events?
NCR events attract dedicated, high-level high school athletes. These camps provide players with the unique opportunity to compete alongside and against top-tier peers — an intense, fast-paced experience they may not get every day during their regular local club seasons.
What can new athletes expect when attending an NCR camp?
First-time attendees can expect a high-energy, welcoming environment. The camps are staffed by highly knowledgeable coaches and athletic trainers who prioritize not only elite skill development but also a strong sense of support and community among the athletes.
Is the NCR Volleyball environment supportive for staff and coaches?
Yes. Athletic trainers and coaches highly recommend NCR events because they foster exceptional professional networking. Staff members have the opportunity to study player biomechanics, connect with fellow collegiate and club coaches, and enjoy a supportive atmosphere that gives back to its workers.
