Box Score Highlights, Globe Preview, and "Standards of Performance"

Via maxpreps.com (free registration)

The Boston Globe previews the volleyball season, noting a spike in volleyball popularity. 

Area players to watch includes a Melrose senior and a photo! 

The Globe top 20 includes five Middlesex League teams; Tanner fans will argue that Woburn is being sold short. I'll argue that this is the best collection of Middlesex League teams so far. 

Notes: Bill Walsh's The Score Takes Care of Itself gets universal praise for his insight and dedication to Standards of Performance. Everyone in an organization is expected to perform at the highest level, the person answering the phone and the guys striping the practice field. 

Here are two excerpts from the summary that apply directly today: 

And five don’ts:

1. Don’t say “why me?”
2. Don’t expect sympathy
3. Don’t bellyache
4. Don’t keep accepting condolences
5. Don’t blame others

And I'll add three observations from decades of coaching: avoid the deadly "S's"

1. Satisfaction - don't be satisfied with being good enough. Accountability means seeking to perform to your highest standards. Winning with mediocre play in unsatisfying. 

2. Softness - anything less than exceptional physical and mental toughness is unacceptable. How you play reflects how you live your life. 

3. Selfishness - how can I make the team better today? 

Lagniappe: (something extra)