Decades of sports experience distills to seventeen seconds from "The Last Samurai."
Focus on this message about being in the moment.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Canton Friday
Since the arrival of MIAA Power Rankings, every team in the Elite Eight has faced the iron. Both Canton and Melrose are similar, each with four losses.
Melrose lost to #2 Reading twice, Winchester, and Woburn. Canton lost to defending D2 champion Oliver Ames twice, D1 champion Franklin, and Attleboro.
Chart from Maxpreps.com
Through two rounds, Division 2 almost "follows the chalk" with seeds #1-7 and #9 in the Final Eight.
Like many recent opponents they have superior defense, use a 6-2 system, and have a dominant hitter.
The power rankings 'cluster' behind OA and Reading.
Canton leverages its strengths - star power at key positions (libero, outside hitter) and consistency to make opponents work to score.
To quote Bill Belichick, "We'll see how it goes."
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Study Both Convention and Originality*
*Adapted from my basketball blog
"Imagination is more important than information." - Einstein
Celebrate your originality. Be different to make a difference. What allows you to create sustainable competitive advantage.
Graphic created using ChatGPT Plus
To get started, think of examples of how coaches made a difference through original thinking.
Don Meyer had a marvelous website where he shared a wealth of basketball philosophy and knowledge...and took questions. He coached in the public domain.
John Wooden has his Pyramid of Success. I printed it out, laminated and distributed to players. One mother shared how her daughter looked at it and brought it to school every day in her gym bag...becoming a three-sport captain in high school. Later she graduated from Annapolis and served as a Naval officer.
Dean Smith was a mathematics major. He developed his "Passing Game" offense and his 'delay offense', the Four Corners, famously associated with Phil Ford. He was into 'analytics' before it became mainstream, emphasizing points per possession. He sometimes ran practices with "shot quality scoring" - assigning different points for layups, open and covered shots, and turnovers.
Nolan Richardson's Razorbacks established a brand, playing "40 Minutes of Hell" and my kind of basketball. Coaches create legacy when they are able to translate their personality into their team's play. Identity relates the ability of individuals to blend their talents into collective excellence.
Age conveys few advantages. One is the perspective of time, and the understanding of the values of faith and patience, flanking the peak of Wooden's "pyramid." How do you leverage persistence into performance? Sometimes teams win because they have the will to play "harder for longer." Bill Walsh said that, "Champions behave like champions before they are champions." Does our team do that?
Some former players stand out as "originals" because they brought more than just skill. Maggie Turner was the "Queen of Communication" with a memorable style. Dr. Victoria Crovo played with a ferocity that few players matched. Elena Soukos was an exceptional leader and court presence.
Lagniappe. Can you stick with the plan?
Lagniappe 2. "Women Being Heard." Wilma Rudolph had childhood polio and needed leg braces as a child. She struggled to walk. And she never gave up.
Stats vs Dartmouth
Stats via Maxpreps.com
Team win with significant contributions from the "A Team"
Kills - distribution a major theme
Adriana 12 (#41 in MA)
Alisa 12
Amelie 8 (#45 in MA)
Elise 7
Both Adriana and Elise eclipse the 200 mark!
Assists
Sadie 32 (currently #7 in MA with 583)
Service points
Alisa 13
Elise 13
Sadie 9
Digs
Anna 9
Receives
Gen 10
Alisa 7
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Coaching Insights
This is one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen about coaching. Chris Fowler nails how hard this profession can be: “Coaching is a calling more than a profession. You have to have what it takes to pour yourself into others.” https://t.co/2jcxJCh6uK
— Greg Berge (@GregBerge) August 23, 2026
In his MasterClass, chef Thomas Keller says that chefs cook "to nurture people." Most coaches assume the position for the same reason.
One global religious position claims infallibility only on faith and morals. Coaches have nothing remotely similar.
A coach tells a player "do this and don't do that." Then the player inexplicably does that. And usually, the coach takes the hit. Because coaches know that accountability comes with the territory.
Coaches make mistakes. Nobody remembers the name of the coach who cut Michael Jordan in high school.
Coaches miss family time and meals.
Coaches agonize over playing time and strategic choices.
Coaches take 'the smoke' from families and the media.
And still, they mostly love what they do. Brad Stevens said, "We get more than we give." Most coaches agree.
Lagniappe. Before embarking on an activity (whether it's AP Calculus or Candy Crush), ask "Does this project support my values?," in "The Way of Excellence" by Brad Stulberg.
Sweet 16: Melrose 3 Dartmouth 1
The kids are alright. #3 Melrose hosted the Round of 16 and outlasted #14 Dartmouth 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, and 25-23. Melrose raises its record to 18-4.
The win advances Melrose to the Elite Eight to face the winner of Wakefield at Canton.
Dartmouth split their series with two strong programs (Barnstable and Joseph Case) and had a playoff sweep against Marblehead in the round of 32.
The match seesawed all night as both teams punched and took punches.
Melrose had a quick start and then Dartmouth fought back. Offensively it was Elise Marchais plus the sophomore "A team" of Adriana (Santoriello), Alisa (Dautovic), and Amelie (Johnson) generating offense.
At 25-all in set one, Sabrina McArt finds a seam for a winner. Then Anna Burns serves and Dartmouth makes an error for the set.
Trailing 3-11 in set two, Elise responds with a kill at the net.
Melrose rally notwithstanding Dartmouth captured the set.
Melrose jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in set three, followed by a lengthy delay (more than ten minutes) while officials ruled on the "two libero" rule.
Leading 12-7, Melrose creates separation on a Dartmouth error then a pair of Alisa kills. Melrose largely controlled the action and won by four.
The final frame promised to be a donnybrook in an "elimination game." Again it was back-and-forth with Melrose leading 19-17 and 23-21 at which junctures Dartmouth timeouts slowed the rally.
With Melrose leading 24-23 after a Dartmouth service error. Elise Marchais served for the match.
...and ended it.
Analysis:
Everyone did their job. Both teams struggled at the service line at times, and both made spectacular defensive plays to keep the action alive.
Timely offense, solid defense, and aggressive served the "team win" agenda. Stalwarts Sadie Smith (setter) and Anna Burns (libero) had strong games. Burns earned some extra time, split with Gen Overlan. Sabrina made some big blocks at the net.
Melrose notes:
Classic playoff matchup with two 'legacy programs', big crowd, and highly competitive match.
Neither team would have "lost" as much as one team made more plays during crunchtime.
The Ultimate Skill
Young Hoopers TAKE NOTES “Playing hard is a strength. Playing hard is a skill. A lot of people think skill is dunking. Or passing and shooting. No, playing hard is a skill.” I would argue that playing hard might be the most important skill 🗣️ https://t.co/8gxh1B80Wm
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) November 10, 2026
Coach Dave Smart says, "Excellent teams play harder for longer."
How can you play hard?
- Focus - the first price is paying attention
- Energy - energize yourself and teammates
- Communication - recruits and energizes teammates, intimidates
- Good decisions are a skill. In a game I saw last night, with the score tied at 22, a player had a free ball, a "get me over" ball. She passed it into the net. Lack of skill? I doubt it.
Excellence
Cyclist Kate Courtney says, "“The ultimate goal is to learn about myself and use the experiences of competition to better myself not only as an athlete but as a person.”" - from Brad Stulberg in The Way of Excellence
Excellence distills to becoming "the best version of ourselves." Everyone pursues excellence in different ways.
Fund manager Todd Harrison reminds us, "Never confuse net worth with self-worth." You matter; you have value." Life relates to twin concepts of mastery and meaning.
Excellence equals process. As Aristotle said, "Excellence is not an act, but a habit."
Giving one's best effort stands on its own.
In a 2023 postseason game, Sadie Jaggers went to school with the flu, struggled through the day, and made it to the game. Her 'best' that day included 25 kills and 7 digs in an elimination game.
In the fourth set, Melrose got off slowly, trailing 6-10 before going on a 17-1 run, to put the game away...almost...at 23-11. But Billerica refused to die and Melrose couldn't put them away. Despite a timeout, Billerica continued on their own 13-1 run to knot the score at 24.
Process forges excellence. "Always give your best."
Monday, November 09, 2026
What Are Your Expectations? What Is Your Work?
In an episode of “The Bear,” Sydney makes an omelet for Sugar, the restaurant manager. Her work shows effort and precision. Her omelet is crafted not cooked. It's outstanding enough that she could put her name on it.
Your work reflects your attitude towards it. If “A” work matters, then bring “A” attitude and “A” investment.
Be relentless. Be a dog.
Lagniappe. What does our culture look like?
Nick Saban said, "We can't have complacency, we can't have selfishness, and we can't lose our accountability."
— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) June 12, 2026
Because that's how culture dies.
It doesn't collapse overnight - It crumbles quietly.
Here are 5 silent culture killers every team must avoid:
1. Letting Toxic… pic.twitter.com/lbkzEFeg5b
Sunday, November 08, 2026
Play On
What does a soccer goalie do after allowing a bad goal?
View on Threads
Reset. Quickly.
1. 5 seconds.
2. Fix one thing.
3. Communicate
4. Next task
5. Reviewing the match happens later, never during.
"MISTAKES AREN'T WHAT RUINS CAREERS.
Staying stuck on them is."
The only secret sauce in sport comes from a reset, refocus, and re-engagement with the action.
That's the next pitch, the next at bat, the next snap, the next play.
Add to Your Toolbox - Winning Influence
Dale Carnegie's 1936 classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People, stands the test of time in relationships.
You're busy with work, school, and other activities. Let's share some highlights from the book, with a little help from Blinkist and AI to start the ball rolling.
Praise the praiseworthy.
"You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." Find reasons to praise teammates. "You make me want to work harder to reach your level" or "I've never seen a player more involved." Lift others with praise of their effort or achievement. You will never forget when a coach tells you, "I believe in you."
Take an interest in others.
In Remember the Titans, Coach Herman Boone must integrate a football team from two different schools, two different universes. Learn about your teammates, their lives and their dreams.
Listen actively.
Respect another person by giving them our undivided attention. What if you were the coach? Would you want players talking among themselves, rolling their eyes, or otherwise distracted? Give the gift of attention and be coachable.
Disagree without being disagreeable.
No arguments are won starting from "you're wrong" or "you're stupid." Find common ground. There isn't one way to serve or one attack that fits all sizes. When we disagree, we can also ask, "What would you recommend to help solve this problem?" The best leaders don't just describe problems, they solve them.
Be like Socrates.
The Greek philosopher Socrates was famous for the depth of his knowledge and his questioning approach. He wanted listeners to come to their own conclusions from shared facts. Learn to apply facts to develop informed opinions. President Ronald Reagan said, "Trust but verify."
Volleyball excellence is real-time problem solving.
Set the bar high.
"Lower the bar and you lose the winners; raise the bar and you lose some losers." - Clint Hurdle Establish standards and provide players or students tools to meet and raise the standards. There's a story about a disruptive student. On the first day, the teacher met each student and told the difficult one, "I hear that you are a natural leader. That can add value in the classroom." His behavior improved to meet those lofty expectations.
Coach Scott Celli has confidence in the returning players improving and achieving a high degree of success. Meet that challenge.
Lagniappe. ChatGPT Plus shares three key principles from the book:
1. Show Genuine Interest in Others
Carnegie argues that people crave appreciation and understanding. Taking a sincere interest—asking questions, listening attentively, remembering names, and valuing others’ perspectives—creates authentic rapport. As he put it, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than in two years by trying to get people interested in you.”
2. Avoid Criticism, Condemnation, or Complaint
He warns that criticism breeds defensiveness and resentment. Instead of attacking mistakes, he advises encouraging improvement through empathy and understanding. His guidance: “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”
3. Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation
Carnegie distinguished between flattery and genuine praise. Real appreciation focuses on effort, contribution, or character. Recognizing others with authenticity motivates and strengthens relationships. “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”
Lagniappe 2. Commit to our best every day.
Players have 2 choices: Either pout or prepare. Whether you play or don’t play, whether you win or lose, you will never regret working hard, making commitments, being disciplined or focusing too much. These skills not only prepare you for your game, but will prepare you for life!
— Jon Beck (@CoachJonBeck) November 3, 2025
Prioritize Personal Recovery*
All opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own. The blog is not the official voice of any City of Melrose organization. *Input from AI varies from none to significant, as in this piece.
Active recovery raises performance. The final whistle ends the match; recovery extends preparation.
We study stats, watch video, and seek competitive advantages. But another opportunity follows every workout, practice, and game: individual recovery. What players do between sessions shapes their future.
"Every day is player development day." Recover as a mandate.
Six decades ago, we 'split' a basketball doubleheader (a sophomore and a JV game). Many of us had played literally two full games. The JV coach thought our effort wasn't enough. He chose to run us for two hours...the antithesis of recovery.
Take ownership of recovery. Teammates share a practice, but not identical recovery needs. One player sweats heavily. Another arrives after skipped meals. Another carries fatigue from schoolwork, poor sleep, or a rolled ankle. individualize.
Ask yourself: What did today take from me? What do I need?
Replace fluids. The first symptom of dehydration is fatigue not thirst. Bring a water bottle and use it. As a high schooler, I lost eleven pounds during a Sunday doubleheader in July.
Keep drinking after activity instead of trying to catch up at bedtime. After long, sweaty sessions, replace electrolytes through food or an appropriate drink. More isn’t automatically better.
Eat to recover. Working muscles need fuel; growing athletes need enough food. Carbohydrates replenish energy stores. Protein supports repair. When dinner will come late, pack something practical: yogurt and fruit, a sandwich, or milk and a snack. Then eat a balanced meal. Consistent meals matter more than any expensive recovery product. Plan ahead with your parents.
Protect sleep. Adolescents generally need eight to ten hours a night. . Homework, transportation, and late matches create constraints. Organize what you can. Put the phone away, settle the room, and keep a routine. Coaches share responsibility here. An unnecessary late message can undermine the habits we ask players to build.
Use recovery tools with purpose. Cold baths, warm water, thermal contrast, massage, and compression attract attention. Some athletes find them helpful, but the benefit depends on the method and the situation. Feeling less sore doesn’t prove complete recovery. Enlist the athletic trainer to assess your needs; don’t complicate eating and sleeping.
Recover mentally. Competition leaves unfinished conversations in our heads. Review the match briefly and log one lesson and one action. Write them down.
Give yourself permission to move on. A few quiet minutes, slow breathing, or time with family can work wonders. Carry the lesson forward, not disappointment.
Report problems early. Discern ordinary fatigue from pain that changes how you move. Tell the coach or athletic trainer about persistent soreness or exhaustion.
Own readiness. Honest communication lets the staff know. Don't hide a small problem and allow it to become a serious one.
Build a short personal checklist: drink, eat, settle, sleep, reassess. Notice which habits leave you ready and which leave you dragging. Teach teammates.
Control what you can control. Take responsibility for recovery and be ready to help your teammates.
Saturday, November 07, 2026
Timeless
"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."
The great advantage of youth is the "learning runway" ahead of you. Age doesn't convey wisdom. Knowledge does not equal wisdom. Experience sometimes is the best teacher.
Often wisdom lies buried in ancient concepts.
1. "Control what you can control."
You control your attitude, choices, and effort. Choose to be positive, to believe in hard work, and in yourself. As important as making good decisions is avoiding bad ones.
2. You don't have to share your opinion about everything.
"An empty barrel makes the most noise." That goes for direct verbal communication, texts, and communication on social media.
While we have freedom of speech, we don't have freedom from consequences.
3. Habits are "votes" in favor of favor of the people we want to become."
James Clear (quote above, Atomic Habits) clarifies the power of habits. Aristotle ostensibly wrote, "Excellence is not an act but a habit." In addition to choosing our habits, we have the opportunity to check our progress and adjust them as needed.
4. Serve the team.
Put the team first. Coach John Wooden's "letter to players" explained that although players may not always agree with his decisions, he would always make decisions in the best interest of the team.
Just as the coaches make lineup, strategy, and "operational" decisions in the best interest of the team, you should make the same commitment at home, on the team, and in your future jobs. Teamwork is a choice.
Being coachable also includes being candid about injuries and illness. Playing hurt may make you unavailable later.
5. Be part of a learning culture.
Learn every day. Share what you learn and share credit. Learn about what makes good leadership, what shapes culture and decision-making.
6. Become a storyteller.
Stories change lives. People remember stories...both true and false. Stories impact people's hearts and minds. Remember to SUCCESS acronym...
- Simple
- Unexpected
- Concrete
- Credible
- Emotional
- Stories
"Every story is about someone searching for something."
Write your narrative and make it exceptional.
Lagniappe. Just as in basketball screening, it's better to wait and be late to attack.
5.
Westwood Stats
Attacking (kills)
Elise (10), Adriana (9), Sadie (8), Elisa (7)
Serving (service points)
Adriana (12), Dani (9) ---- Team Total 38/71
Assists
Sadie (21), others (10) - good out of system
Digs
Sadie (10), Dani 9) Alisa (8), Gen (7)
Receptions
Adriana (12), Gen (11), Alisa (11)
All Gas, No Brakes - Appreciate the Competitive Character of These Girls
Seek continual ascension. Apply sports psychology to that end.
Visualization promotes positive psychology. Create a mental highlight reel.
Understand your identity as a team and as a player. "This is who we are." And know your game, "This is how we play."
"Pound the rock." If it takes a hundred hits to break the rock, keep hitting.
Athletic performance relates to skill, sport specific IQ, athleticism, and mental toughness. Specifically, one player on MVB has a learned ability to 'read' the defensive geometry and "hit 'em where they ain't."
Highlights:
Elise gets a "C" slide attack and Westwood digs it out but at a disadvantage.
Adriana Santoriello filled her toolbox to include pipe attacks.
There's a basketball saying, "Great offense is multiple actions" and "great defense is multiple efforts." Sabrina McArt's athleticism getting "hands on" the block keeps the play alive and Alisa Dautovic gets a rare "three touch" kill.
Amelie Johnson brings length and athleticism to the right side, translating to a block-kill.
More 'multiple efforts' as Anna Burns digs out a rocket and Sabrina blocks at the net until an unforced error happens.
Amelie reveals parts of her toolbox with a great save at the net followed by a "rainbow kill." Old-time announcer Keith Jackson would say, "And she's only a sophomore."
You never know when a "Got to have it" point arises. Gen Overlan digs a tough serve, Dani DiGiorgio adjusts to a ball from the heavens, and Elise keeps the ball alive. Then an unforced error issues the point.
Director Mira Nair says, "You need the soul of a poet and the hide of an elephant." Elise finds a soft spot in a critical moment.
Appreciate the athleticism, power and grace of these young ladies. Elise crafts another point with a block.
Sadie Smith does Sadie Smith. A ball ricochets off the rafters and she makes an incredible adjustment. Watch the corner flag official who does not hesitate and calls the ball in.
Sadie Smith excavates the point of the season. She digs a deflected ball in an otherworldly Edelman Super Bowl moment.
Another magnificent point with Dani digging deep and Melrose outlasting Westwood. Play "harder for longer."
Friday, November 06, 2026
The Chrysalis
Athletes undergo transformation. Just as a monarch butterfly begins as a caterpillar, athletes go through a transformation.
One intermediate stage is the chrysalis, where the athlete is neither newbie (caterpillar) nor champion (butterfly). They become a chrysalis - an intermediate form.
With the right conditions, possibility becomes reality.
Metaphorically, we see athletes in the chrysalis phase. The postseason creates a "space for emergence" to differentiate yourself and your team from the other butterflies.
Self-care, family support, and coaching can take you where you cannot go alone.
Learn to fly.
Playoffs, Round of 32: Melrose 3 Westwood 0
Melrose brought playoff volleyball back to the Veterans Memorial Middle School gym, emerging with a 25-17, 25-16, 25-23 win over the Westwood Wolverines. Melrose advances to the Sweet Sixteen, hosting Dartmouth Tuesday at 6:00 P.M. as Dartmouth swept Marblehead.
It was the first home playoff game for many of the MVB roster and a valuable learning experience, especially the third set.
Westwood was advertised as having strong middles and potent serving, raising the question as to whether they were "Woburn lite." The Wolverines play a highly competitive schedule including Canton, Hopkinton, Holliston, Medfield, Norwood, and Bellingham - and had been competitive in many of those matches.
Melrose controlled the first two sets before Westwood made adjustments and gained the edge for parts of the final frame.
Everyone was solid for Melrose; Adriana Santoriello, Elise Marchais, and Alisa Dautovic were all in or near double digit kills.
Liberos Anna Burns and Gen Overlan were on point, as were middle Sabrina "Air" McArt, Dani DiGiorgio, and "Disney" (Happiest Place on Earth) Amelie Johnson.
And the sharpest knife in the drawer was Freedom Division MVP Sadie Smith, who "Roy Kented" her way around the court, making improbable or impossible plays, while delivering an estimated eight kills.
A few highlights:
Sabrina McArt wins a joust at the net.
Adriana punishes an overpass with topspin.
At point 32, Elise shows her menacing middle skill and on the next point Adriana changes up with an ace.
In the third set at point 32, trailing 15-16, Sabrina puts up the roof.
Tied at 23 in the final frame, Adriana finds a seam.
Melrose Notes: Solid crowd on hand to cheer on MVB. One face in the crowd was Elena Soukos, graduating next month from Northeastern. Elena led her team to a Sectional Title (Final Four) and earned the "Triple Crown" of Globe and Herald All-Scholastic and All-State.
More highlights tomorrow...
The Mental Model of Inversion
The late Charlie Munger often cited the mental model of INVERSION, citing the mathematician Carl Jacobi.
Munger approached problems by considering "How do we guarantee failure?" Premortem examinations analyze what can go wrong. Contractors use blueprints. Medicine often uses critical pathways. Chefs find quality ingredients and recipes.
Conditions matter. Don't pour concrete at ten degrees Fahrenheit. Don't work out in hundred degree heat. "Life is about the management of risk."
This also leverages "The Power of Negative Thinking" as in do the opposite of the 'bad thing'.
1. MVB is a learning culture. Many MVB student-athletes represent on the Honor Roll.
2. Offseason play is the norm. "Repetitions make reputations."
3. Effort equals expectation.
4. Elite teams "play harder for longer."
5. Every top-ranked team plays strong opponents. "Iron sharpens iron."
6. Competitors want coaching. "Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence."
7. The most powerful motivation comes from within.
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