Icebergs

 

Volleyball results are what we see above the waterline. Know that results are subordinate to process, what happens unseen below the surface. 

1. Build brand awareness. Entrepreneur Sara Blakely says, "make it, sell it, build brand awareness." Success feeds on itself, attracting talented athletes. Victoria Crovo was an elite soccer athlete who switched to volleyball and became an All-State player. 

2. Build skill. "Every day is player development day." The Navy SEALs have a saying, "Under pressure you don't rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training." Offseason training becomes the standard for top players. 

3. Unrequired work. Do 5 more. Run five more sprints. Do five more lifts. Watch five more minutes of video. 

4. Scouting. Nobody sees the scouting, preparation, and game planning that precedes game operations. "The magic is in the work." 

5. Sacrifice. Everyone wants court time, role, and recognition. But only six players can play at once. Others sacrifice their bodies playing hard in practice and waiting patiently for uncertain opportunity. Shared vision and shared sacrifice fuel shared success. 

Tournament action: Amherst-Pelham topped Chelsea 3-0 to set up their match at Melrose Saturday. John Fleming's Winchester club shutout always tough Acton-Boxborough to advance.