Many historians consider Abraham Lincoln our nation's greatest President, a man with impeccable character and leadership. He had the humility to bring rivals into his cabinet and the will to preserve the Union, ultimately costing him his life. Via AI (ChatGPT Plus), he sends MVB a letter.
My dear young ladies of Melrose Volleyball,
I write to you not as one acquainted with your sport, but as a student of human endeavor — of the toil, the trial, and the triumph that accompany all noble pursuits. You are engaged in something greater than a game. You are engaged in learning how to work together toward a common purpose.
A team, much like a nation, is held together not by chance but by choice — the choice to serve one another. You may differ in age, experience, and station, yet you share one uniform and one destiny each time you step upon that court. In my time, I learned that unity of purpose can accomplish what mere talent cannot. The strength of a people lies not in the power of one but in the commitment of all.
Leadership is not bestowed by seniority, nor discovered in a single moment. It grows quietly, like a tree taking root, through acts of integrity and perseverance. True leaders are those who lift others, who listen before speaking, and who act not for glory but for the good of the group. I have known soldiers who followed orders faithfully and citizens who gave all they had for a cause unseen. Their greatness came not from command but from character.
Remember that teamwork, like freedom, demands effort and respect. It asks that you think not of who scores the point but of who sets it up, who dives to keep it alive, who steadies her teammate after a miss. In the long view, victories fade, but the bonds you build will endure — the trust, the laughter, the silent understanding between those who strive together.
In moments of adversity, do not look around for blame; look within for courage. Do not envy the gifts of others; sharpen your own. A house divided cannot stand, and a team divided cannot win. Yet a house united in purpose can weather any storm.
Play with courage. Work with humility. Lead by example. And when the day comes that your playing days are done, may you carry these lessons into every fellowship, every classroom, every calling that awaits.
Your obedient servant,
A. Lincoln
Lagniappe. Rankings are fun but meaningless except for the MIAA power ratings that come out on Tuesdays and Fridays. Masshsvb.com has elevated Melrose in its rankings.
Winchester has taken over the top spot in The Boston Globe
Here are the latest Maxpreps.com Division 2 rankings
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