Noise Not News?

All opinions expressed in the blog are mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. 

"Articulating my perspective by writing was an enormous aid to my understanding. But it’s mostly an editing process—I spend much of this quiet time deciding what is not worthwhile. This is… liberating." - Barry Ritholtz in "How Not to Invest" 

Authors work to get the story right. Investigative journalist Bob Woodward tells a cautionary tale: he nearly published a story about a coffee shop that wasn’t actually the coffee shop - similar name, different operation. Verification isn’t just checking the facts. It’s checking the identity. 

MVB Legacy

Players create legacies based on multiple factors - performance, recognition, and winning. There's a mythical MVB "Mount Rushmore;"  three faces are 'easy' - Brickley, Bell, and McGowan. 

Image created by ChatGPT Plus (not a likeness of MVB players)

Hannah Brickley was All-State three times and Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan were both elite performers on the State Championship team and part of the Boston Herald "Team of the Decade." Winning big and driving winning matter. 

What We Know of MVB 2026

• The revised MVB schedule will create 11 league games (one for each team), 7 non-league games, and 2 seeded league games to be determined. 
• A large contingent of returning players creates intense competition for the triad of positions, roles, and recognition. Opportunity is there for everyone. 
• Two non-league commitments so far - Newburyport and Marblehead

Noise Not News

Two areas change substantially. Opponents can't "load up" with the idea of stopping Sabine Wenzel, who in the words of Rick Pitino "won't be walking back through that door." Inexperience will be less of a factor. The five sophomores and five freshmen from MVB 25 become ten players with a year of experience. 

Outlier 

"The wind blows hardest at the top of the mountain." There's no Freedom Division crown to defend. Every team has turnover, the opportunity to "reload not rebuild." MVB 26 has the chance to plant its flag on the volleyball landscape. That builds excitement. 

Lagniappe. The foundations of high school sports are demonstrating character and competence through competition. 

High school basketball is about more than just X’s and O’s.
- It’s teaching young people to handle pressure without panicking.
- To show up for their teammates, even when it’s hard.
- To walk into adversity with confidence, knowing effort always gives them a shot.

— Steve Collins (@TeachHoopsBBall) February 8, 2026

Lagniappe 2. Great baseball pitchers have combinations of velocity, movement, and control. Many of Melrose's best servers and hitters had a lot of topspin. Develop it. 

From AI: 

Topspin in volleyball is primarily explained by the Magnus effect.

The Real Driver: The Magnus Effect

When a volleyball spins forward (topspin):

• The top of the ball rotates against the direction of flight.

• The bottom rotates with the direction of flight.

• This creates a pressure imbalance in the surrounding air.

• The ball experiences a downward force, causing it to drop faster than gravity alone would produce.

That downward force = Magnus force.

This is why a hard topspin serve can clear the net by inches and still dive sharply into the court.

Where Bernoulli Fits (and where it doesn’t)

The Bernoulli principle explains how faster-moving air has lower pressure. It’s part of the physics description of why the Magnus effect happens—but it’s not the whole story.

Modern physics describes topspin more accurately using:

• Airflow separation

• Boundary layer behavior

• Newton’s third law (deflection of air downward → force upward or downward)

Coaching Translation

If you’re teaching players:

• More spin = more dip

• More velocity + spin = sharper late drop

• Flat contact = float behavior

• Brushed contact = topspin dive

The practical lesson:

Topspin gives you margin. You can swing harder because the ball will fall.

Growth Mindset

pic.twitter.com/kfO5hl8a3h

— Reads with Ravi (@readswithravi) February 11, 2026

You can do it.  

An Eye for Talent

Nobody wins without talent. Spotting, recruiting, developing, retaining, and blending talent gives you a chance to succeed.

Legacy programs include all of the above. Coach Scott Celli and his staff have done a remarkable job over decades. 

Identifying Talent

I asked Coach Celli years ago how long it took him to know that one player would become impactful. He said, "Five minutes." 

Through the years, he's shared observations. He saw that Rachel Johnson had the size, athleticism, and timing to become an elite blocker. He forecast the electric setter play of Leah Fowke. 

Last season during the MVB summer camp, two players especially stood out to me. Both freshmen became impactful MVB 25 rotation players. 

Recruiting

Few high school coaches have the opportunity to 'recruit' talent away from neighbors and competitors. There's no doubt that some schools actively seek established stars. Recruiting starts within your community. The vast majority of MVB players arise in Melrose. Many have now gone through the excellent middle school program and camps. Dr. Victoria Crovo started in the soccer program and moved to volleyball. Many players had older siblings whose success attracted younger girls to volleyball.

Retention

The volleyball 'experience' keeps players. A successful and positive culture is the best available tool to keep Melrose home. 

Player Development

Almost all of the offseason development occurs through the club circuit. In some states, club programs become college feeders. My daughters' friend had a younger sister who didn't make her San Diego high school team. Her performance in her California club earned her an east coast D1 scholarship.

Team Development  

How you play individually and with others defines your ultimate role. Players add value through all four classes. Some players find roles early and others later in their high school career. Alyssa DiRaffaele relocated from the front row to libero and reached a State Final. Gia Vlajkovic helped win a pair of Sectionals, one as setter and another as an outside hitter. 

There's no 'cookie cutter' pathway to success on MVB. The best approach remains to play smart, play hard, play together, and have fun. 

Lagniappe. Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry said, "A man has to know his limitations." Nobody can see the future. Economist "John Kenneth Galbraith famously observed, “There are two kinds of forecasters: those who don’t know, and those who don’t know they don’t know.”

Kindness - Part of the Program

"Kindness is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of confidence." - former Secretary of State Colin Powell, in "It Worked for Me."

Years ago, on social media, someone on social media sent me a message. I hadn't seen him since high school. "You were always nice to me." He wasn't a varsity player, but he was part of the program.

That meant a lot. Not every day went smoothly. 

Part of MVB culture is inclusion. 

• Don't make it about star status or graduating class.
• Be a mentor for younger players. 
• Share tips. "Sometimes a great pass attempt isn't as helpful as a good pass completion." Great pass attempts can turn into overpasses or trap the setter at the net.
• Support your teammates because everyone has a bad day. 
• "A kind word goes a long way."

Over a decade ago, I complimented Kayla Wyland's parents about her consistently great demeanor. Her Mom said, "She's just as nice and helpful at home." 

You build your resume one day at a time. 

"To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Lagniappe. In baseball, there's a saying, "Slow feet, quick hands." LP makes an argument for "simpler hands and faster feet." 

"Consistently Less Stupid"

All opinions expressed in the blog are my own. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. 

Readers beware. "First, people who achieve outstanding success in one sphere are often emboldened to make broad pronouncements in another. Second, listeners find these forecasts incredibly seductive." - Barry Ritholtz in "How Not to Invest" Barry calls this "Halo Effect." 

Make your own strategic decisions. Advice, whether from Tarot, social media, and blogs...is often mediocre...or worse. 

"“It’s remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.”" - Charlie Munger, former Warren Buffett Partner

Volleyball sums to scoring positive points (points won plus opponents' 'giveaways') plus negative points (opponent points won and "our team's" giveaways).

Volleyball Success "control what you can control:"

• Win more points.
• Make fewer errors
• Contain opponents' points won (think blocks and saves)
• More opponent errors (uncontrollable)

If you've had success in a tournament, think about and write down why. And also write down where you could improve next time...and work on that. 

Points Surrendered

• Decision-making (not every ball is attackable, keep "get me over" balls in play)
• Bad execution (bad serves, mis-hits and shanks, communication)
• "Room for improvement" (e.g. closing the block, reading attacks)

Great Artists Steal

1) Be on the lookout for better ways and 2) steal other people's stuff. Use Barry Ritholtz's categories from "How Not To Invest."

1. Bad Ideas

2. Bad Numbers

3. Bad Behavior

4. Good Advice 

Bad Ideas

Among the hardest serves to return are those served to the sideline. The downside is obvious - serving out of bounds. A close second with some exception is serving to the ten foot line. That reminds me of the 8th grade "Shop" teacher's line, "Easy if you know it, hard if you don't." Balance reward and risk. Serve to seams and to weak defenders. 

Bad Numbers

Calculate efficiency as (Success - Failure)/Attempts. If as a team you have low efficiency at whatever (opposite attack, setter dumps, pipe attacks) - do less. "Do more of what works and less of what doesn't." Track data and use it to be better. 

Bad Behavior

Behavior often means choice. Choose to communicate, to cover, to align and serve properly. Campfires, service time or service line violations, and rotation errors all belong in bad behavior. Habitually behave well. 

Other "character-based" forms of bad behavior include substance abuse, laziness, selfishness, and softness (lack of toughness). Nike says, "Just Do It." Your better angel says, "Don't do it." 

Good Advice

More on this in another piece. Recapping, stay simple - make more good plays, fewer bad plays, be a great teammate, and avoid self-destructive thoughts and choices. 

Lagniappe. Leadership --> Relationships --> Value --> via Discipline (Leaders serve.)

Saban on Leadership.

“Leadership is about helping somebody else for their benefit, not yours.” - Nick Saban

True leadership isn’t about power.

It’s about lifting others up and putting the team first.pic.twitter.com/sfvtGRqElI

— Greg Berge (@GregBerge) February 9, 2026

Master and Commander

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. 

English author Patrick O'Brian wrote "Master and Commander" and other novels that addressed the complexity associated with leadership.

There's no easy way to "shortlist" leadership criteria and yet for simplicity and clarity it's an "ambitious try." 

Set high standards while maintaining compassion. 

As team leaders, commit to setting the example, raising the standards, and always being the best possible teammate. When she was a freshman, now Dr. Victoria Crovo was both the best player and the emotional leader. Being young doesn't prevent you from being a leader. Not being a captain doesn't remove your leadership possibilities. 

Surround yourself with talented people (friends and confidants).

Character and competence are contagious. Developing a "critical mass" of high quality people around you make you better...and them. 

Innovate. 

Invest a small amount of time to compound value. What can you do better as an individual or as a team? In one scene from the movie Master and Commander Aubrey lowers a few boats to tug his ship into the fog which limits the attack from another ship which can't see them. 

Inspire. 

Excellent leadership works to expand their 'toolbox'. Coach Scott Celli works out, has scouted opponents directly, and studies college volleyball looking for edges to put you in a position to succeed. 

Lagniappe. Part of your opportunity and obligation as a student-athlete is to derive leadership principles from sport. The ChatGPT AI take on key leadership principles from "Master and Commander":

Here are five leadership principles that translate cleanly to sport.

1. Competence Precedes Authority

Captain Jack Aubrey commands loyalty because he is exceptionally competent—at seamanship, tactics, and decision-making.

For student-athletes

• Teammates follow those who know their craft.

• Skill, preparation, and consistency create informal authority.

• Titles (captain, starter) don’t substitute for mastery.

Locker-room translation:

You earn influence by being reliable when it matters.

Comment: Leadership in all disciplines intersects character and competence. Character is job one. Competence flows after. 

2. Discipline Creates Freedom

Life aboard ship is rigid—routines, roles, hierarchy. That discipline allows the crew to function fluidly during chaos.

For athletes

• Structure in practice → freedom in games.

• Teams with clear standards react faster under pressure.

• Sloppy habits get exposed when the game speeds up.

Basketball/volleyball parallel:
The most creative teams are often the most disciplined ones.

Comment: Discipline cuts twice - doing what must be done when you don't want to and avoiding what you want when you shouldn't do so. 

3. Calm Is Contagious

Aubrey remains composed in storms and battle. His calm stabilizes everyone else.

For student-leaders

• Emotional regulation is leadership.

• Teammates mirror your body language, tone, and pace.

• Panic spreads faster than strategy.

Late-game truth:
The team often plays at the emotional temperature of its best leader.

Comment - In the words of "Legacy" - keep a "blue head" not a red one

4. Respect the Chain of Command—but Listen

Aubrey respects hierarchy while valuing Stephen Maturin’s counsel. Authority doesn’t mean isolation.

For teams

• Clear roles matter.

• Great leaders listen without surrendering responsibility.

• Collaboration strengthens—not weakens—decision-making.

Student-athlete takeaway:
Seek input. Own the final call.

Comment - Players can benefit by having some input. They're the ones required to execute. 

5. Honor Is Doing the Right Thing When It Costs You

O’Brian’s world runs on honor—not showmanship. Reputation is built quietly, over time.

For athletes

• Effort when no one’s watching

• Owning mistakes

• Protecting teammates

• Choosing team success over personal stats

This separates:

• Hall of Fame character from Hall of Very Good talent.

Comment: You don't need a gym to do pogos and skaters, review old game film, or improve your mental game with mindfulness. 

One line that fits a team wall

Leadership is competence under pressure, character under stress, and responsibility without excuse. 

 

On Writing

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization.

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Writing is easy; all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." - Ernest Hemingway

"The difference between good writers and bad writers? Good writers know where they're bad." - Dan Brown

Writing well advances your education and career. Communicating simply and clearly pays you again and again. AI suggested, "writing about writing works because volleyball, like prose, lives on clarity, repetition, and decision-making under constraints."

Some suggestions for better writing: 

1. Overcome the tyranny of the blank page by getting something down. Our creative imagination writes and our critical imagination refines. 

2. Big words and complex sentences aren't usually better. Any Hemingway fan knows that. 

3. "Trust but verify." We're wired to believe what we see, hear, and read. That's how some choose to deceive their audience. A great story may, in fact, be fiction. 

4. Do the research. Read "On Writing" and "Bird by Bird" on vacation or in your spare time. 

5. Shave syllables. In his MasterClass, David Mamet discusses the comedian's task, shaving syllables. 

6. Think about structure. A joke or story has three parts - the beginning, middle, and ending. "What was the last thing George Washington told his men before crossing the Delaware?" "...pause," "Get in the boat."

7. Become a storyteller. "Made to Stick" informs the SUCCESS acronym of the Heath Brothers... simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, stories.

8. Grammar and vocabulary matter. King advises writers to use powerful verbs and limit adverbs. I'm not a grammar Nazi, but avoid these words - really, truly, very - which add nothing. What annoys me? Authors who abuse split infinitives, run-on sentences, and pronouns, e.g. "him and me" shopped.

9. When unsure of how our writing sounds, read it aloud. "Awkward" sounds awkward. 

Note: The Hemingway editor assigned this as "Grade 5" level (good) and one sentence as hard to read (the AI sentence). 

Resources: 

"On Writing" (Stephen King) explores his childhood, career arc, and writing principles. 

Hemingway Editor. Free tool to assess readability. 

"Bird by Bird" (Anne Lamott) informs her process, including "$***** first drafts."

MasterClass, specifically Bob Woodward, Washington Post investigative journalist

"Made to Stick" (Chip and Dan Heath) shares storytelling tips

Artificial intelligence programs (refine not originate)

Lagniappe. Vision quest? 

Lagniappe 2. Can you make serving more game-like? 

Lagniappe 3. "Leaders are readers." 

#LeadersAreReaders pic.twitter.com/VKPU9O37oU

— Bob Starkey (@CoachBobStarkey) February 8, 2026

Leadership Development - Make Friends with the Dead, Abraham Lincoln

"Make friends with the dead." 

Abraham Lincoln's character, competence, and communication marks him by consensus as America's greatest President. Learn from Lincoln.

Authors have written more books (well over 15,000) about Lincoln than almost any other historical figure. Why? Let's examine.

1. Character

His fame spread widely...via Doris Kearns Goodwin, 

• Tolstoy's tale of meeting barbarians and their request. 

“‘But you have not told us a syllable about the greatest gen­eral and greatest ruler of the world. We want to know some­thing about him. He was a hero. He spoke with a voice of thunder; he laughed like the sunrise and his deeds were strong as the rock and as sweet as the fragrance of roses. The angels appeared to his mother and predicted that the son whom she would con­ceive would become the greatest the stars had ever seen. He was so great that he even forgave the crimes of his greatest enemies and shook brotherly hands with those who had plotted against his life. His name was Lincoln and the country in which he lived is called America, which is so far away that if a youth should journey to reach it he would be an old man when he arrived. Tell us of that man.’" 

Lesson - strengthen our character. 

2. Criticism

Lincoln understood the power of criticism. He wrote "Hot Letters" expressing his displeasure, often with his generals. After composing them, he put them aside, writing "Never signed, never sent." That didn't mean that he 'suffered fools' as he replaced underperforming generals. 

Lesson - "Hold fire." Better to "shout praise and whisper criticism." Words matter and can hurt. 

3. Communication 

Lincoln was a master communicator with self-education and exhaustive preparation. He simplified stories and used humor and imagery to make his points. Communication, not coercion, was his style.

Lesson - Others perceive us through our words and our actions. Read and study better communication. 

4. Technology

Lincoln was a science nerd. He studied new technologies (such as the telegraph) and used them to advantage to help preserve the Union. He is the only President to have a patent, on a device to help float grounded boats. 

Lesson - Study and implement technology that can help your individual and team performance. 

5. Optionality

Lincoln sought to understand the numerous options available before making decisions. 

Lesson - Be aware of both decision-making effects and secondary consequences.

6. Decisiveness

When it came to making decisions, Lincoln sought advice then acted decisively. Before releasing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, he heard some in his Administration contest it vehemently. Nonetheless, he moved ahead. 

Lessons - Coaches must implement tough decisions on both people and strategy and navigate hard conversations. 

7. Politics and Teamwork

Lincoln understood that despite his education, he also had limitations. Doris Kearns Goodwin's masterpiece, "Team of Rivals," discusses how he brought political opponents into his cabinet. Seward (State), Bates, (Attorney General), and Chase (Treasury) were integral in moving his plans and management of the Civil War forward. 

Lesson - Surround ourselves with talented people. It doesn't always work. President John F. Kennedy's "Best and the Brightest" blundered through foreign policy including the Bay of Pigs and Vietnam. As a head coach, bringing in complementary skills via assistants can pay dividends. 

8. Trial Periods

Lincoln knew that every hire or action wouldn't work out. He realized the gravity of the saying, "Hire slow and fire fast," for individuals and policies. Many leaders struggle with "sunk costs" or "commitment to publicly shared statements" instead of fixing what's broken. 

Lesson - Every position and role are up for grabs every season and during the season. There is no seniority system as court time and roles depend on performance. 

9. Flexibility

Leaders balance consistency in actions and tone with the ability to change when change is needed. The best leaders inspire confidence through communication and setting high standards for their actions. 

Lesson - Model excellence. Ask regularly as Brad Stevens does, "What does our team need now?" Be open and willing to change when the situation dictates change. Consider Coach Bob Knight's quote, "Just because I want you on the floor doesn't mean that I want you to shoot."

10. Rest and Relaxation

As Commander in Chief in the bloodiest war in American history, Lincoln understood that he needed "down time." He attended over a hundred plays during his Presidency. Obviously, the last worked out poorly. 

Lesson - Finding work-life balance is a challenge for every leader. You cannot lead others unless you lead yourself. Part of your responsibility as a leader is self-care. 

Lagniappe. Many 'buzzwords' exist in coaching today - values, culture, standards. Here's a graphic that shares ideas about standards from well-known coaches. 

Most teams talk about standards.

These 11 coaches and players actually lived them.

Here are 11 powerful standards that build elite culture: 👇 pic.twitter.com/gcSuBSk526

— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) February 4, 2026

Lagniappe 2. Book recommendations. Nobody reads everything about everyone...impossible. Two exceptional works worth reading:

"Leadership in Turbulent Times" (Doris Kearns Goodwin) - examines the presidencies of Lincoln, the Roosevelts, and Lyndon Johnson. It's a "Cliff Notes" (almost 500 pages) summary from her "major" works. 

"Lincoln on Leadership" (Donald Phillips) 

 

"The Blog Is a Broken Record"

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose institution. 

You know the expression, "sounds like a broken record," although many of you have never seen a record player in action. 

"Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to "always do your best" and every day to "show the best version of yourself."

Becoming your best version:

1. "Win the morning; win the day." 

2. "Build better habits." 

3. "Be the best teammate you can be. Teamwork is a choice."

4. Raise your leadership arc. Everyone leads. 

5. Choose to invest your time more than to spend it. 

Lagniappe. Change. 

pic.twitter.com/YEAma9Glrx

— Reads with Ravi (@readswithravi) February 6, 2026

 

Volleyball and Principles from Baseball*

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. Mistakes and errors are mine. The blog is not an official publication of any Melrose institution.

*Adapted from a basketball blog post of mine

Principles and analogies cross sports domains. A podcast by Alex Speier about the Red Sox minor league development system raised points worth considering for volleyball programs. 

Strengths and Deficiencies

Baseball systems may lean into strengths or deficiencies such as hitting (scoring) or pitching (run prevention). Similarly, in volleyball, teams may overemphasize offense or defense and become "unbalanced." Unless a player has extreme talent or plays a specialty position (e.g. libero), she cannot compensate for lack of all-around skills (attack, block). 

Recently, NCAA hoop coaches Danny Hurley and Geno Auriemma acknowledged that they recruit offensive players, expecting that they can train them to play adequate or better defense. "Heart and hustle" by themselves will not beat talent and experience. 

Player Development

In an era where talent acquisition (free agency, trades) or retention (signing) has become expensive, there's value to be had by player development. In baseball, the Red Sox have found prototypes (e.g. size, extension) and added velocity, bad speed, and/or launch angle to raise player performance. In volleyball, players have a myriad of skills to develop, ranging from attack/block, serve/receive, and pass/set.

Development varies. For example, on the Celtics, Neemy Queta's development has transcended most expert's expectations. 

Another analogy fits primary and secondary skills. A pitcher might have an electric fastball but lack pitch shape or command needed. Similarly, in volleyball, players need a "GO TO" and "COUNTER" scoring approach. Craft and versatility matter. All big hitters are not "scorers."

Tools versus Performance

Size and athleticism may not immediately (or ever) transfer to effectiveness, depending on a player's commitment, aptitude, and improvement arc. A player like Derrick White was lightly recruited, and started on a room-and-board stipend at D2 Colorado-Colorado Springs. He matured into a D1 player at Colorado, was a late first round choice by the Spurs, and emerged as an NBA and Olympic Champion. He leads NBA players in plus-minus since December. 

White was not the "toolsiest" player in the Association, but has become a leading contributor if not recognized as an All-Star. 

Kayla Wyland was the best "freshman team to varsity starter" Melrose has developed. Coach Scott Celli has a keen eye for identifying players likely to make the leap from high potential to high performance. 

Measurables

Some classify potential by having a minimum two out of three of size, athleticism, and skill. In "The Undoing Project" by Michael Lewis, he shares that the predictables for NBA draft success are 1) performance in college, 2) elite program, and 3) age at time of the draft (younger is better). Cooper Flagg, recently turned 19 emerging Mavericks superstar, represents an obvious example. 

Sabine Wenzel was more than a player with height. She had solid athleticism with a spike touch exceeding ten feet and excellent block timing to augment her physical makeup. 

Floors and Ceilings

Player potential can fall under a variety of "rubrics" including "floors and ceilings." Ideally a player has both a high floor and high ceiling. Assessing youth players, I used an analogy of lottery pick, first rounder, second rounder, and 'street free agent'. 

It's irrational to expect to win big without occasional lottery picks (potential college scholarship players) and lots of first rounders. Some parents think their child is in the former categories. Time establishes floors and ceilings. I contend that many players can rise one category but few rise two.

Player development plus exceptional player commitment are essential for the players who achieve "escape velocity" to rise even one category. 

These are 'crude' and 'qualitative' categories but may help coaches and fans fashion clarity in player evaluation.

Lagniappe. The older I got, the less I yelled. If yelling were the mark of great coaches, they'd all scream. Few exceptional coaches do. 

"I never yelled at my players much.

That would have been artificial stimulation, which doesn’t last very long.

I think it’s like love and passion.

Passion won’t last as long as love.

When you are dependent on passion, you need more and more of it to make it work.

It’s the…

— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) February 4, 2026