MEEKER | Before the first serve of the fall season, Meeker volleyball was already making noise—hosting a two-day summer scrimmage this past weekend that brought regional rivals and rising talent together for a high-energy tune-up.
The event brought together programs from across the region, offering teams a chance to get live reps ahead of the official practice which starts on Aug. 11, 2025. Teams from North Fork, Plateau Valley, West Grand, Soroco, and Rangely participated in the camp, which included a full day and a half of scrimmage play and a team dinner on Friday evening designed to build camaraderie among players.
Long time Head Coach Greg Cravens explained his overall thoughts on how he thought those two days went.
“Overall it was great,” said Meeker Head Coach Greg Cravens. “All of the teams have great kids and good programs that make it a great experience for everyone involved.”
The team has hosted a team camp for the last few summers, Cravens explained that it helps provide a local opportunity for high level preseason competition. He emphasized that the scrimmage not only helps the athletes improve, but also gives coaches a chance to evaluate their rosters.
“We saw some very good things from our kids at all levels,” he said. “We’ve been very impressed with the incoming freshmen and couldn’t be any happier with the turnout we’ve had all summer at open gyms.”
The coaching staff viewed the scrimmage as a chance to assess the team’s overall progress, using the opportunity to try different lineups and positions. It’s a key part of summer play—seeing how players adjust, communicate, and perform in new roles under game-like conditions.
“Like I tell the girls, I’m a little ( a lot) crazy and will put kids in different positions during the summer to see how they do,” Cravens said with a smile. “A few of the girls really shined in new spots, which gives us different options heading into the season.”
Their official practices begin on Aug. 11, 2025. The focus in the coming weeks will be on improving passing and serving—fundamental areas that tend to sharpen quickly once daily practices begin.
Head Coach Greg Cravens also praised the team’s chemistry and leadership, noting how returning upperclassmen have helped guide the younger players.
“It’s been very encouraging watching the upperclassmen show the incoming freshmen how everything works,” he said. “The coaches set the culture, but it’s the upperclassmen who really carry that forward. In my time here, my upperclassmen have always been good about being leaders and encouraging the new one coming in.”
As the team moves closer to the official start of the season, Coach Cravens and his players will continue building on the foundation laid this summer. With a mix of experienced leaders and promising newcomers, Meeker volleyball looks poised to make an impact on the court this season when the games begin in August.
