Teammates Forever

Modified from 2006*

“Sports doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” – John Wooden

Melrose volleyball has earned its reputation as one of the best and most consistent teams in Massachusetts. In addition to winning three consecutive Division II North titles and going to the state championship in 2005, the team won the MIAA Coaches’ Sportsmanship Award in 2004 for the entire state. The past two seasons the team has once again made it to the D2 North finals, coming up a little short.

Making a competitive team isn’t a chip shot or a certainty. Girls learn volleyball skills earlier each year, and prepare for the opportunity just to become part of the program. They compete vigorously to make the team, and the competition doesn’t end there. They make sacrifices in time and personal behavior that some of their classmates do not. Everyone wants not only to be a member of the team, but a contributor on the floor.

Coaches Celli and Wall have an introductory meeting each year to set expectations and the tone for the players and the parents. Participation fees make it more difficult, as fees help defray expenses, but don't guarantee playing time.

The coaches explain how players can contribute in many ways, through determined practice, exemplary attitude, and of course, demonstration of improving skills. They also inform the players know that they will earn playing time in varying degrees according to their progress. Not everyone will play as much as they would like. The ultimate goal is having a winning team, playing up to its full potential. Understandably, players and parents often find this difficult.

“The race doesn’t always go to the swiftest or the battle to the strongest, but it pays to bet that way.”

Although many players have earned attention locally and some throughout the state, few have accomplished more than a girl who played several years ago- being a great teammate. She wasn’t the star of the team, in fact she often played only late in games when the outcome had been decided. She came to practice every day, practiced hard, and became the best player she could be. She knew she wouldn’t be in the game at the big moments, while some younger, less experienced but promising players would be. She accepted this as a great teammate, because she valued being part of the team and contributing however she could. Her best friend, Marianne Foley, became an All-Scholastic, while she cheered and supported the team. Both shared the moment of becoming Melrose's first Division II North volleyball champions, a team that went 22-2 and came within a point of going to the state championship, losing to the ultimate champions, Marlboro. And everyone knew that Danielle Burke was a great teammate, a part of Melrose volleyball history.