HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Standing with a group gathered around the volleyball net, Rebecca Pierce intently listened to the message.
This was not the first volleyball camp Pierce had attended, and it definitely was not the first instructor the Alabama A&M libero had worked with.
But for Pierce and her Alabama A&M teammates, this camp was significantly different.
Helping lead the instruction at Alabama A&M's volleyball camp on Monday and Tuesday was five-time Olympian, and two-time silver medalist, Danielle Scott-Arruda.
"It's not often that you get to work with someone with that type of volleyball experience," said Pierce, who is an Alabama A&M senior.
"When a player of this caliber discusses volleyball, you need to listen. Only the best get an opportunity to play in the Olympics, and she's done it five times."
Scott-Arruda was a member of the United States women's volleyball team for the 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and she was part of the silver medal teams in 2008 and 2012. Her five Olympic appearances are a U.S. women's volleyball record.
Having Scott-Arruda in attendance on Monday and Tuesday means the high school volleyball players at the Alabama A&M camp received instruction from a pair of Olympic silver medalist.
Alabama A&M women's volleyball coach Rose Magers-Powell was a member of the U.S. women's volleyball team that won the silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
"That's a lot of volleyball knowledge," Pierce said. "Two Olympians in the same building. Wow."
Scott-Arruda made the trip to Huntsville for the camp as a favor to Powell. The two met in the 1980s, when Scott-Arruda was a top-tier volleyball prospect from Baton Rouge, La., who was trying to decide on which college program to sign with.
Scott-Arruda signed with Long Beach State, where she was an All-American and the 1993 National Player of the Year.
Throughout the years, Powell and Scott-Arruda have remained in contact — a relationship that helped bring her to Huntsville for Alabama A&M's camp.
"I enjoy opportunities like these," Scott-Arruda said. "Coming here, and getting to discuss different topics with the players is a privilege I really enjoy — a way to give back to the sport I love so much.
"The issues these young ladies are facing today are similar to what I went through at their age, so we've taken time to perseverance, different ways to face obstacles and just about anything these players would like to discuss."
At the two-day camp, Alabama A&M hosted several high school players from Alabama and Tennessee.
But when Scott-Arruda addressed the group, the high school players were not the only people in attendance who were paying close attention.
"This also is a great experience for us," said Pierce, referring to the Alabama A&M players who were helping with the camp.
"Everything being discussed here today also applies to us. This kind of advice, and lessons, can make us all better players."
Scott-Arruda said she was impressed with the players who attended the camp.
"The work ethic I've seen from these players is impressive," she said. "All of the players have been attentive and eager to work.
"Hopefully the advice that I'm able to pass along is something these players can use to help them as they pursue their goals, both in volleyball and in day-to-day life."
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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