Good Problems

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” -- Duke Ellington

Good problems for TEAMs include having a surfeit of good players, competition for a limited number of spots, players working to get more time on the floor.

As Melrose prepares for the 2014 season, Coach Celli will look for players to step up to rebuild the back row, with the departure of graduating All-State libero Jill MacInnes, and strong back row players like Annalisa DeBari, Maave Moriarty, and Cassidy Barbaro.

As a (basketball) coach, I appreciate players who not only want more game opportunities, but those who ask specifically how they can EARN MORE TIME. As a former volleyball parent, I recognize the frustration for some TEAM members and their families who wonder how coaching decisions are made. Again, wearing my coaching shoes, I recognize that excellent coaches make decisions based on their evaluation of what serves the TEAM best. It is both unethical and irresponsible for coaches to make decisions for political reasons.

Having observed Melrose volleyball since the 2002 season, I can unequivocally state that players get opportunity based on ability, consistency, and production not on years on the team or seniority. For example, during the State Championship run in 2012, Cassidy Barbaro, a junior, carved out an important role by becoming an offensive weapon from the service line. Prior to that time, she had practiced hard yet been unable to develop a specific niche.

Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. At the volleyball banquet each season, Coach Celli clarifies that every spot on the TEAM and every role is open for competition. Some players will force their way onto the floor through their contributions in practice, preseason scrimmages, and games. Inevitably, one player's rise comes at the expense of a TEAMmate's 'minutes.'

Not everyone can be a great player, but everyone can be a great TEAMmate. As a player, whatever your role, you should work to perform that role to the best of your ability. I read a story about a player being recruited by Roy Williams at North Carolina. The player fouled out during an AAU game. He didn't sulk or pout, but immediately took the time to get cups of water for his TEAMmates when he came off the floor. He showed his commitment to the TEAM, impressing Williams, and earned a scholarship and subsequently went to the NBA.