By MARIO AGUIRRE AND ADAM KUJAWSKI | STAFF WRITERS
McALLEN — Before beginning her high school career, Carter Helmcamp tried out for the USA national volleyball team. She made the continental squad and was an alternate for the A1 national team. Then last July in Oklahoma, she competed in the USA volleyball high performance championships.
It was there that the soon-to-be McAllen High freshman was exposed to competition she could only dream of, playing teams from Hawaii, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.
“It opened my eyes to the volleyball out there in the world,” Helmcamp said. “It’s really awesome in the Valley, but once you go against other countries, it changes everything.”
It certainly changed her perspective and it helped ease nerves as she tried out for the Lady Bulldogs. Looking back, the setter credited her summer experience to the standout season she had in 2014, playing a critical role on a McAllen High team that advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly a decade.
She finished the year with 393 assists, 33 aces, 146 kills, 18 blocks and 60 digs. And for that, Helmcamp is the All-Valley Newcomer of the Year.
“Making varsity in itself was a huge honor,” Helmcamp said. “So getting these awards now, I feel very honored.”
“Going into summer volleyball,” she added, “that just eased everything because it boosted my confidence. So when I went on the court (at McHi), I was humbled and just played volleyball.”
More than anything, the height and skill stood out to Helmcamp, especially in watching more mature players. It was also an added perk that she worked with the coaching staff there, helping her add “little switches in my technique,” she said, that had a significant impact on her game.
“On my setting, there was different techniques in putting my thumbs back. Or passing, staying around the block,” she said. “Just little things that I improved that I still look on when I play the game.”
Having made varsity as a freshman, Carter felt like “I made it.” Even with her success playing in club and on the continental team, playing for McHi gave her an added sense of accomplishment.
What she picked up during the summer was how athletic opposing players were. The way they elevated off the floor. Their crisp, perfectly timed passes. Their setting was well-executed. It gave her a greater appreciation for the focus and consistency it took to play the game.
“They really were the top athletes in the nation and you could tell,” she said.
After her performance at the regional all-state competition, Helmcamp was invited last week to compete with USA Junior Nationals next year in Ohio. Helmcamp has aspirations of one day competing in the Olympics. Though she realizes it’s “a huge goal,” she isn’t discouraged from trying to reach it.
“I like to set goals,” she said. “And once I get it, it’s onto the next one. So that would be my dream.”
HONORED
When a Los Fresnos Lady Falcons volleyball team experiences success, it’s rarely a surprise. In fact, success has been a theme for them for 30 years, or as long as Becky Woods has been the coach.
What seems to be a customary dominant Lady Falcons’ season happened again this year when they were the District 32-6A co-champions and advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs in San Antonio.
For her accomplishment, Woods has been awarded the All-Valley Coach of the Year, the second such award of her career and first since 2000.
“My kids deserve the awards,” Woods said. “I wish every one of my kids could be All- Valley.
“They’re the ones who helped me gain this prestigious title. They’re out there everyday for two hours practicing. My job is just to keep them going.
“I see coaches all over the valley do the same things I do year in and year out,” Woods added. “I give credit to all those coaches. The job’s not easy. You’ve got to know and love what you’re doing.”
Since beginning her coaching career, she’s seen the game evolve into a quicker and faster-paced style. She’s seen the talent improve with bigger, stronger, faster and taller kids making their way to the court, but she’s adjusted her coaching style accordingly.