Fast Five: Coaches Have Favorites

Fifty-something years around sports teaches you that coaches have favorites. How do you become one of the favorites? 

"Take care of business - at home, in the classroom, and on the court." Kayla Wyland's parents said she was the same person at home that she was outside - cheerful and helpful. You don't forget that. Kayla and her 2012 teammates go into the Melrose High School Athletic Hall of Fame this month. 

Coach Celli with Melrose seniors, 2012 State Champions

"Be on time." When asked what a young actor should learn, Helen Mirren said, "Show up on time and don't be a jerk." Dean Smith's point guard Phil Ford set his watch ten minutes fast to be on "Coach Smith time." 

"Play hard." Jay Bilas' excellent book, Toughness, reminded players to "play so hard that your coach has to take you out." 

"Play together." Nobody likes a selfish player. Support your teammates. The African proverb says, "You can go faster alone, but we can go farther together." 

Here's an excerpt from an article about Alan Williams' book, Teammates Matter:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” – C.S. Lewis

"Play smart." Coaches analyze stats and study film to parse what is working versus what isn't. Coach Celli will let you know if he wants more outside attack, back sets, middle hitting, back row hitting, quick sets, slide attacks. "Do more of what's working and less of what doesn't." The best hitters know when to bring the heat and when to change it up with tip attacks, cut shots, and short balls.