By JANE Q. EDITOR
UB Athletics has a message for any and all young athletes looking to get back into the game following the pandemic pause: All UB athletics camps and clinics are open and ready for instruction.
The COVID-19 pause year interrupted what has become an accomplished tradition of young athletes from fifth grade through high school seniors learning from top coaches and some of UB’s finest male and female athletes in sports ranging from basketball to swimming to tennis.
No more. The extensive, individualized summer sports camp program has returned in full force and is accepting applications for sessions throughout the rest of the summer.
“Our basketball camps give young kids an outstanding opportunity to learn from some of the top college basketball players in the country,” says Tom Fox, director of men’s basketball operations.
“After a year off, we are excited to welcome these campers back, and I know that our student-athletes are excited to again work with them. We have spots available and would love to see your kids at our camp this year.”
Besides the team sports such as basketball, football, volleyball and soccer, the summer sports camps include training for individual sports including wrestling, diving, and strength and conditioning.
Kristen Maines, head coach for women’s tennis for the past 11 years, says the tennis camp actually returns after a two-year hiatus, with recently renovated up-to-date courts.
“We’re very excited to be offering this program again this year,” says Maines. “It’s a great opportunity to receive outstanding technical skill instruction and to learn strategies from highly qualified coaches and current Division 1 athletes from all over the world.”
Maines says the timing of the tennis camps is especially useful for high school athletes.
“It’s great preparation for the high school tennis season, as the tennis camp runs Aug. 16 to 20 and Aug. 23 to 27,” Maines says.
UB coaches and officials encourage all local athletes to look at the wide selection of sports camps. Visit Athletics’ website for a list of all camps and more detailed information.