COLUMBUS, Ohio — The sound of a volleyball spike never gets old for Luke Maloney, an assistant coach for the Ohio State Men's Volleyball team. 

Maloney started in youth volleyball so volunteering at the Community Youth Camp at KIPP Columbus is a return to his roots. 

What You Need To Know

  • Maloney is one of 80 volunteers throughout the week at the second annual community youth camp

  • Eric Archibald with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission said the camp goes well beyond introducing kids to fundamentals in sports

  • For Maloney, The goal is exposing kids to volleyball early on

“It's really cool to teach them from the absolute foundation and kind of see them build through just an hour or two hours with them,” said Maloney. 

Maloney said getting out and instructing youth clinics and exposing kids to volleyball early on is important to his job and the continuation of the sport. 

He said the biggest tip he gives to youth is simply hit the ball as hard as you can. 

“Too many kids want to paddy-cake it and be gentle, and that's not what volleyball is about. Hit the ball hard,” said Maloney. 

Maloney is one of 80 volunteers throughout the week at the second annual community youth camp geared toward kids aged 6 through 12. 

Eric Archibald with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission said the camp goes well beyond introducing kids to fundamentals in sports. 

“We like to tie what you learn in sports, whether its lacrosse or basketball, we like to tie that to a life lesson. We have teamwork as a life lesson, overcoming adversity. Just think about how many setbacks you have in sports but that can help you out overcoming challenges in your life,” said Archibald. 

For Maloney, he will continue to volunteer at local camps and he encourages those with a passion for sports and teaching youth to do the same. 

“These camps are absolute great exposure for any sport. But you know, volleyball is close to my heart, so continue to come out, participate in these and find a new sport that you love,” said Maloney.