CSUN Women Use Spike to Drive Home a Point With Youths

About 600 children at Napa Street Elementary School got a lesson in setting, spiking and blocking Thursday during an experiment in better living through volleyball.

The Cal State Northridge women’s volleyball team volunteered its services at the school in an effort to provide “positive role models for the youngsters,” said Principal John McClure.

“Many of our students live in the Bryant-Vanalden area and see nothing but a great deal of social turmoil,” he added. “Having the team come here is an attempt to show them that there are better options in life. Hopefully, this kind of exposure will guide them toward higher education.”

This isn’t the first time CSUN athletic teams have visited the Northridge elementary school. Last November, members of the football team put on a demonstration.

“Basically, we’re trying to use our resources to have an impact on the community,” said Ran Raily, CSUN director of athletic promotions.

On Thursday, however, the school children had an impact on the players. “It was like a group of ants attacking,” Raily said. “The kids were all over the team. The girls were in awe.”

When things settled down, the women put on drills that showed the children why the Lady Matadors were good enough to take second place in the NCAA Division II tournament last season. Then, they let the kids participate.

“Judging by the smiles, I’d say everybody enjoyed themselves,” McClure said.

The team will find out just how much in a few days. The students are writing thank-you notes.

“Those should be something,” Raily said.