Parents watched from the sidelines as more than 40 kindergarten through eighth-graders participated in the First Annual Central Valley High School Volleyball Clinic on Sept. 21.

"This is adorable-a ton of fun," Hawks varsity head coach Kelly Heese said. "I'm very pleased with the turnout and parent participation."

Hawk coaches and players from the varsity, JV and frosh levels provided instruction, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The entrance fee was $5.

Ceres' Nadia Ruiz (8), Maya Gutierrez (6) and Isabella Olide (6) were among the participants.

Emphasis was placed on basic fundamentals, including passing, hitting, serving and footwork.

Heese and Co. also talked about the importance of communication.

"Volleyball is becoming so competitive," she said. "If these girls aren't starting out at an early age, they're getting left behind when it comes time to be in high school."

Central Valley will stage its second clinic, from 11-1, on Oct. 19. Cost is $5.

"My ultimate goal is to have 100 bodies out there," Heese said. "It's all about word of mouth. I'm not concerned about the money. I would like to make it available for everybody."