Teammates Matter*

*Modified from prior

Everyone can't be the star, but everyone can be a great teammate. Alan Williams addresses this in his book Teammates Matter. Williams was a walk-on for Wake Forest basketball and played 59 minutes in four years, but earned respect as a player and teammate. 

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 team has once again won three consecutive D2 North titles and went to the state championship last season. It has been in the D2 North championship for nine consecutive years. 

Making a competitive team isn’t a chip shot. Local girls learn volleyball skills earlier each year, and prepare diligently for the chance just to become part of the program. The competition doesn’t end with team selection. They sacrifice time and personal behaviors that some of their classmates do not. 

Coaches Celli and Wall have an introductory meeting each year to set expectations and review school rules for the players and families. 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, improvement. They also inform the players that they will earn playing time in varying degrees according to their progress. Not everyone can 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 statewide, few have accomplished more than a girl who played almost a decade ago- being a great teammate. She wasn’t the star of the team, in fact she often played only late in games after the outcome had been decided. She practiced hard every day and became the best player she could be. She knew she wouldn’t be in the game at the big moments, watching younger, less experienced but promising girls. 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.