Teammates

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, playing 59 

minutes in four years, but earning respect as a player and teammate. 

Melrose volleyball has enjoyed great success over the past decade, but winning isn't the whole story. Making a competitive team is hard. The competition just to make any team is fierce, but competition doesn’t end with team selection. Players sacrifice in return for the chance to be part of something bigger. Each will write her own narrative. 

Coach Celli has an introductory meeting to set expectations and review school rules for players and families. Participation fees make it harder, as fees help defray expenses, but don't guarantee playing time.

The coaches explain how players can contribute - through determined practice, exemplary attitude, and improvement. They inform players that they earn playing time according to their progress. Not everyone can play as much as they would like. The goals are winning and playing to your full potential. Understandably, players and parents may find this difficult, but only six players are on the court. 

Last year, Coach Celli required players to read Jay Bilas' book Toughness. UNC soccer coach 

Anson Dorrance  requires his players to read Michael Useem's The Leadership Moment. Coaching 

has always been more than wins and losses. Teammates are expected to develop leadership not 

just sports-related skills. Cal rugby Coach Jack Clark shares, "We say that the definition of 

leadership is the ability to make those around you better and more productive. It’s a skill to us. 

Leadership isn’t a rank — it’s not only for the coach, it’s not only for the captain, it’s not only for 

the seniors. It’s a skill."


Although many players have earned attention locally and statewide, few have accomplished more than a girl who played over 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 talented girls. 

She accepted this because she valued being part of the team, 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 Danielle Burke as a great teammate, an unforgettable legacy of Melrose volleyball history.