Investing in Volleyball

How do we measure an investment? Volleyball participation is spiking.

Nominally we can project investment using measures of quality, valuation, and growth. And within those metrics we examine national, regional, and local trends. Investment expert Vitaly Katsenelson says without quality there’s no reason to dig deeper.

Quality. Quality programs (or companies) excel in competitiveness, leadership, brand, and consistency. Consider Watertown field hockey, author of a 184 game winning streak, numerous state championships, and spawn for scholarship players. Coach Eileen Donahue has led the program for three decades, and they are the brand in area field hockey. Recruiting the best athletes for other fall sports is a Herculean task. Melrose’s volleyball brand is strong, with a state championship, two other finals appearances, and seven sectional titles. Coach Scott Celli has coached over 400 victories and has a seat in the MGVCA Hall of Fame. An area coach called Melrose a “legacy program.”

Growth. Local interest has never been higher. The Middlesex League has never been tougher. Winchester and Woburn have both become powerhouses. Teams have upgraded their non league schedules. The League inaugurates “Volleyball Night” this week.

Successful summer camps helped originate a middle school program. Melrose easily fills freshman, subvarsity, and varsity rosters. Younger players have increasing experience and success. Freshmen and sophomores fill ten of fourteen varsity roster spots and both contribute in games and challenge for court time. The “competitive cauldron” gets hotter within a collaborative culture.

Valuation. We can’t apply metrics like book value, cash flow, and earnings to high school sports. Melrose usually features at least one All-State player. Jennifer and Amanda Cain both played high level college volleyball and many Melrose graduates played college and competitive club volleyball. Melrose annually ranks among the top-rated girls teams in opinion polls and the Maxpreps.com computer poll.

With Middlesex League Volleyball Night Thursday and playoffs just over the horizon, consider investing time in Melrose volleyball. You’re guaranteed “service” and “high returns.”