Sia Poyer, head women’s volleyball coach, and his team have established various community-wide volleyball events to help fundraise for Eastern New Mexico University’s volleyball program.

Especially during the spring semester, the volleyball team is busy training five days a week, performing community service and hosting volleyball events. Last Saturday, the team hosted a 6-on-6 co-ed tournament, attracting 12 teams from as far north past Denver and as far south as El Paso, Texas.

“We wanted to start something… Even though we didn’t make that much money, it was good to get it started and get the word out because everybody that came had nothing but positive comments about the quality of our tournament and facility, which is crazy because all you win is a t-shirt,” said Poyer.

This month, team players are in charge of coaching young children and teens at their annual Sunday Volleyball Clinics.

“Before I started as a coach, there weren’t many camps. After four years, we’ve established something,” said Coach Poyer.

Along with his assistant coach, Ashley Rhoades, and his team, he has established a volleyball clinic for 2nd grade to high school players.

He says that their clinics are another opportunity for kids wanting to learn and play volleyball. Young players have the chance to learn the same skills and drills of collegiate players, of course, with adjustments made according to talent level and age group.

“We’re noticing that most of the kids that come out are young kids who had never played before. Most kids are, easily, 50 to 60 percent elementary-aged,” said Poyer.

Rhoades and Poyer came up with the April clinic idea to introduce kids to the sport who are not involved in a seasonal sport.

Everyone gathers at Greyhound Arena for two and one-half hours on Sundays for fun and instruction. Groups of players even voyage from across the state and from Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle borders to attend.

“This past Sunday, we had a group from Cimarron (New Mexico). That’s a four-hour drive just to come down for two and one-half hours. But they like the experience and appreciate the opportunity because nothing is nearby,” explained Poyer.

To benefit young players and their parents, he strives to provide affordable and skill-enhancing programs for the community at only $15 per player. “Yes, it’s a fundraiser, but, at the same time, I don’t want to deter kids that can’t make it because they can’t afford it,” said Poyer.

Providing the community with a cost-effective volleyball program is never a problem, but because the clinic has grown, they are expanding past their resources.

“We only have four courts. It’s getting bigger, and we have room for six courts in our gym, but we only have four nets. It’s a good problem to have,” he said.

Coach Poyer has been a part of ENMU’s volleyball program since the 90s when he was a student. Beginning as a volunteer, his job later evolved into a full-time assistant coach position after he finished his masters.

He became head coach in 2013 after moving back to Portales from Georgia where he was the head coach at Valdosta State.

“I love volleyball, teaching the sport, and working with young people. I love everything about coaching athletics, especially everything from working with our kids to recruiting, to being involved in the community… Coming back to Portales, and becoming head coach has been awesome and a dream come true,” said Poyer.