Training Camp Complete Next Stop: Italy!

Over the past four days, athletes from programs across the country came together to train, compete, and prepare for what lies ahead in Italy and Slovenia.

More importantly, they began building relationships, learning our culture, and embracing what it means to represent Champions Unlimited

🏐 FOUR DAYS OF ELITE TRAINING

Each morning began with Serve and Pass sessions at 9:30 a.m., followed by daily practices from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Under the direction of Alan Knipe, alongside Tim Johnson, Riley Salmon, Aidan Knipe, Neil Mason, and the rest of our coaching staff, the athletes were challenged technically, tactically, and mentally. The level of focus, effort, and competitiveness improved each day. Our coaches were extremely impressed with the growth and commitment of the entire group.

🎥 FILM SESSIONS AND VOLLEYBALL IQ

One of the highlights of camp was our daily film sessions led by Olympian Riley Salmon. Players had the opportunity to break down game situations, discuss decision-making, and learn how elite athletes analyze the game beyond the court. These classroom sessions added another important layer to each athlete’s overall development and volleyball IQ.

📸 PROFESSIONAL MEDIA DAYS 

Throughout camp, our media team, led by John, captured hundreds of photos and videos during two professional Media Days.

Athletes participated in action shoots, interviews, and promotional content that will continue to be shared throughout the Europe Tour and beyond.This content will also become part of the Champions Unlimited documentary series, recruiting materials, and future promotional campaigns.

👕 UNIFORMS HAVE ARRIVED

Every athlete received their complete Champions Unlimited training and travel package, including:

• Official game uniforms
• Practice gear
• Team apparel
• ASICS equipment
• Travel gear

The athletes looked outstanding and represented Champions Unlimited with pride.

🍽️THANK YOU, NAPLES RIB COMPANY 

A huge thank you to Naples Rib Company for keeping our athletes fueled throughout camp.

Over the four days the players enjoyed an incredible variety of meals including:
• Rib sandwiches
• Turkey sandwiches
• Pasta
• Sliders
• And many other outstanding meals

Your generosity and support helped make this experience even more special.

👏OUTSTANDING GROUP OF YOUNG MEN 

Perhaps what impressed our staff the most wasn’t simply the volleyball.

It was the professionalism.

The athletes arrived prepared, worked incredibly hard, supported one another, and took pride in their environment.

At the end of every day, they left the gym better than they found it, a small detail that says a great deal about the character of this group.

The friendships that have already formed over the last four days will continue to grow throughout our journey in Europe.

Position-Specific Training

One of the highlights of our California Training Camp was the emphasis on position-specific development. Rather than simply running team drills, athletes received individualized instruction tailored to their position.

Our setters worked together daily, focusing on decision-making, tempo, consistency, leadership, and running an effective offense. The progress made by all four setters over the course of the camp was outstanding.

Outside hitters, middle blockers, and liberos also participated in dedicated position training designed to refine technical skills, improve movement patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities within the system. These smaller training groups allowed our coaches to provide personalized feedback and individual attention throughout the week.

Learning the System

In addition to on-court training, Coach Alan Knipe spent significant time with the athletes using the whiteboard to teach offensive and defensive systems, rotations, communication, and game strategy.

Understanding why we do something is just as important as learning how to do it. These classroom-style sessions helped the athletes gain a better understanding of the game while preparing them to compete together in Europe despite coming from different colleges, clubs, and coaching systems.

The combination of classroom instruction and on-court repetition accelerated the learning process and allowed the group to come together quickly as one team.

Thank You to Golden West College

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Nick Amado, Head Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Coach at Golden West College, and Danny Johnson, Athletic Director, for their incredible hospitality throughout the week.

From providing access to outstanding facilities and meeting rooms to ensuring our athletes and staff had everything they needed, Golden West College was an exceptional host. Their support played a significant role in the success of our training camp, and we are truly grateful for their partnership.

We look forward to returning to Golden West College for future Champions Unlimited events and continuing to build this outstanding relationship.

NEXT STOP: ITALY!

The California training block is complete.

Now the real adventure begins.

The team departs for Italy, where they will continue training, compete against international competition, experience new cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

We cannot wait to share this journey with all of you.

Thank you again for trusting Champions Unlimited with your athletes.

This is only the beginning.