The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball hosts Block Party, kids clinic for fans at Gregory Gym
08.18.2007 | Volleyball
AUSTIN, Texas -- Several hundred Texas Volleyball fans and alumni joined the 2007 Longhorn volleyball squad Saturday afternoon as the program opened the doors to the "Horns' House" -- Gregory Gym -- for the Texas Volleyball Block Party and kids clinic.
Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott introduced the 2007 Longhorns to kick off the festivities before adjourning over 200 children to the adjacent Gregory Gym annex for an hour-long volleyball clinic. The team divided itself into groups to teach the kids setting, hitting, passing and serving.
Following the clinic, Texas Volleyball alumnae joined the current Longhorns for a scrimmage on the Gregory Gym floor. With the teams mixed between alumnae and current student-athletes, the team comprised entirely of present Longhorns took both games.
The ensuing autograph session and Chick-fil-A dinner allowed the 2007 Longhorns to meet-and-greet members of their enthusiastic fan base to cap the day's festivities.
"It's nice for the team to put on their uniform for the first time and it's really exciting for the freshman," noted Elliott. "There are a lot of great things that come from this event, but most importantly it allows us to give back to the community that supports us throughout the year."
"I think our team came out a little bit jittery in our match with the alumni, but I think we made some progress and we will be ready when we go to Penn State," commented senior setter Michelle Moriarty.
The relationship between the Longhorns and their fans continues to grow with events like the Texas Volleyball Block Party. It is an event that serves as much of a positive purpose for the team as the fans.
"We all love the way that our fans support us and it was great to see them out here tonight," Moriarty continued. "I know one of the highlights for all of the players is working at the kids clinic."