Olympic Gold Medalist Brings Volleyball Camp to Ann Arbor

An Olympic gold medalist is coming to Ann Arbor to inspire the next generation of volleyball players.

Patrick Powers, 68, will host a youth volleyball camp at Huron High School on June 15 and 16. The two-day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day and welcomes participants ages 11 to 17.

Powers brings serious credentials to the court. He won gold with the U.S. men's volleyball team at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a crowning achievement in American volleyball history.

But his resume doesn't stop there. Powers earned All-American honors twice during his college career at USC and played professional beach volleyball for more than 15 years.

The camp promises hands-on learning with drills and competitive exercises designed to sharpen skills. After the first day, Powers will hold a discussion session where young athletes can ask questions and learn from his experiences at the highest levels of the sport.

Camp registration costs $165, and only eight spots remained available as of this week. Participants should bring lunch, beverages, an extra shirt, knee pads and any other personal items they might need.

Why This Inspires

Young athletes rarely get the chance to learn directly from Olympic champions. Powers could be retired and resting on his laurels, but instead he's choosing to invest his time in helping young people develop their skills and confidence.

For the kids who attend, this isn't just about learning better serves or blocks. It's about seeing what's possible when you dedicate yourself to a goal and meeting someone who reached the absolute peak of athletic achievement.

The camp offers something schools and local coaches can't always provide: proof that dreams of Olympic glory start with fundamentals practiced in gyms just like the one at Huron High School.

One weekend with an Olympic gold medalist might just spark a lifetime passion for the sport.