Dec. 21, 2005

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Two members of the Marquette volleyball team, junior Jamie Mueller and sophomore Jenn Brown, had a busy end to their finals week as they participated in the NCAA YES Clinic as part of the 2005 NCAA Volleyball Championships in San Antonio, Texas.

"I had a wonderful experience working the YES clinic and helping tons of girls," Mueller said. "I would definitely do it again and loved being part of the crazy atmosphere at the Final Four."

The Youth Education through Sports (YES) Program is the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) premiere outreach to youth across the country. Since 1985, youth ages 10 to 18 have participated in YES Clinics held at NCAA championship sites. Boys and girls learn fundamental skills in a variety of sports, including football, softball, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, track and field, ice hockey, volleyball and field hockey. Collegiate coaches and student-athletes from around the country are selected to conduct instructional sessions for participants. Student-athletes serve as mentors and group leaders in addition to assisting with skill instruction. YES clinics annually attract the best and brightest coaches and student-athletes who are dedicated to teaching and giving back to youth.

Eight schools were chosen to send team representatives to help with instruction of the clinic. Along with Marquette, schools that were represented at the YES Clinic included Drake, Long Island, Fresno State, Oklahoma, Texas Southern, Cornell and Manhattan.

"It was amazing to see all these athletes from all over the country working together to teach children volleyball/life skills and get them enthusiastic about the sport," explained Brown. "Jamie and I met many interesting individuals, who shared very similar experiences being student athletes. As well, they were all interested in looking at this clinic as an opportunity in raising young children's awareness about volleyball. Being in San Antonio also allowed us to experience the final four competitions, which broadened our perspectives on what it takes not only to play the best, but to be the best. "