High school athletes cheer on and mentor middle schoolers. Coaches leading teams at varying levels collaborate to build each other up. Student-athletes walk away with not only a rich, challenging experience but a larger sense of community.

This is the reality of Gary Comer College Prep’s athletics program.

Coach Lawrence Jackson, Comer’s athletic director, has been a champion of the 6-12th model for years. Now, as the school solidifies their vision for OneComer (the closer integration of the high school and middle school campuses), Jackson and his colleagues have ramped up their efforts.

“At the 6-8th site, we have some very, very talented athletes, but, because there was a lack of relationship with the 9-12th site at that time, we lost having them come to the high school. This year, we are reinforcing the mentality that we’re a sixth through twelveth grade program,” Jackson shared.

All year long, the volleyball and cheer teams in particular at Comer have bonded tightly across the middle school and high school sites. Last summer, both programs ran 6-12th grade summer camps for the first time.

“I think that connection we built over the summer actually helped us out a lot,” said Tomika Hill, the coach for Comer’s 6-8th grade volleyball team. The camp improved her students’ skills, motivation, and interest in the sport because they were competing against high schoolers, she said. Many more girls tried out for her team this year than usual, she thinks, in part, because of the rigor and excitement built up at the camp.

“They really had a good time doing camp,” Hill said.

For Tamara Barnes, a 6th grader at Comer, the volleyball camp was a huge factor in her decision to join the Catamount family.

“It was really structured and disciplined. Most schools don’t have volleyball camps and athletic activities like that,” Tamara said.

On top of creating a better overall camp experience, Hill says the relationships built at camp continued through the year— with more high school students and coaches coming to support the middle schoolers at games (and vice versa). It’s made a huge difference for her players.

“I think the kids see that, and I think that’s what makes them more excited about actually playing for the high school. They talk about it all the time.” Hill said.

Ultimately, Tamara chose to join the cheer team instead of volleyball (after also attending their 6-12th grade camp). She sees the same level of support from the high school cheerleaders— who came to their games and competitions to encourage them and give constructive feedback.

“They really care about us and want us to be great cheerleaders. That’s actually empowering for me because I can be like, ‘Oh, somebody actually appreciates what I do and is proud of me.’ So, yeah. I love that.” She said.