Scrimmages

This opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author. It does not represent the City of Melrose, Melrose High School, or the Melrose Athletic Department. 

“It’s always showtime.” Preparation, meetings, and practice all fashion the product.

Spanx founder Sara Blakely reminds entrepreneurs to “obsess the product.” UNC soccer coach Anson Dorrance seeks ‘continual ascension’. Scrimmages are part of the process. 

Yesterday’s action advanced the narrative with players flashing improvement amidst expected inconsistency of early season volleyball in a 2-2 tie. 

The goal is always singular, "to win the last game of the season." 

Photos courtesy of Jen Gentile (click to enlarge)

Cross Post - Become a Better Listener

Soft skills help define players. These include punctuality, commitment, discipline, energy, teamwork, and listening. 

Here's a cross-post from my basketball site. 

People notice soft skills. Wakefield teacher and coach Kayla Wyland excelled at both volleyball and basketball. Her mother also said, "she is just as pleasant and helpful at home as she is playing sports." 

It's On. Scrimmage Today, 5 PM

"It's always showtime." 

 

Opening Day Preview

Every opponent deserves respect. Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez used to say that everyone with a bat in their hand is dangerous.

Melrose opens the season against Peabody on September 7th. Peabody lists eleven seniors on their MaxPreps.com roster, looking to improve on their 16-5 2021 season and their Maxpreps Division 1 ranking at 13.

Peabody had a formidable defense last season and looks to strengthen its offensive firepower in 2022. 

Last season Melrose defeated the Tanners 25-11, 25-8, and 25-23, although the match was more competitive than the score. 

Signature Wins

Signature wins define programs. Sometimes they represent "dragon slaying" wins such as beating undefeated teams such as Arlington Catholic in 2003 or legendary Barnstable. Others show resilience with come-from-behind wins like the Wakefield road win last season and the thrilling comeback against Billerica in the Elite Eight. 

Signature wins blend 

They may be anticipated or unexpected. 

The 2022 schedule presents myriad opportunities for signature wins. The Middlesex league schedule allows numerous opportunities as do home rematches with Division 1 Newton North and Division 2 state finalist Westborough.

But the daily grind of practice forges them.  

Upcoming Preseason Activities

Sustained competitive advantage emerges in feedback-rich cultures. Scrimmaging provides feedback to players and coaches about strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing coaching. 

Melrose scrimmages Lynnfield on Tuesday and Marblehead on Thursday,  both at 5:00 P.M.

This year Melrose hosts a playday next Saturday, a series of scrimmages against area teams. It's reasonable to expect that all the clubs Melrose faces will make the Statewide Tournament this season. 

 

Cross-Post "Win the Morning to Win the Day"

Part of coaching is helping players develop winning habits on and off the court. Here are ideas to "win the morning." 

Sites to Follow Melrose Volleyball (Bookmark)

How can fans follow Melrose volleyball? Other useful sites:

Twitter - Melrose Athletics ML12 Athletics includes other ML team links 

Massachusetts High School Volleyball includes schedules, results, and rankings

Maxpreps.com Melrose team site Massachusetts state site home

Melrose Weekly News

Massachusetts Athletic Interscholastic Association shares Power Rankings in season and post-season tournament updates as applicable; Volleyball page includes a variety of tools

Melrose volleyball Instagram 

NFHSNetwork rarely has away broadcasts for subscribers

Melrose High TV live and legacy broadcasts

Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association includes recognition link to All-State Teams, Hall of Fame, State Champions

Boston Globe High school sports home

"This Is Your Team" (2022)

Congratulations to those selected to Version 1.0 of the 2022 Melrose Volleyball team. Making a highly competitive team is extremely tough. Make lifetime memories. 

Roster Notes: 

• Six seniors are on the roster. 
• Continual development of young players breeds continuing success. There is no 'rebuilding' year. 
• Family tradition is often a part of Melrose volleyball. The Gentiles are one of many pairs of siblings. Gigi Albuja's older sister Claire was a Lady Raider, too. 
• Young players aren't picked to be practice players. They compete for playing time. 

All jobs are always open. The Opening Day lineup and the playoff lineup are seldom the same. The initial roster and the final roster are never the same. 

 

"But I Don't Have Time to Read"

 

With the school year fast approaching, you say "I don't have enough time to read." Make time. 

And if you can't read The Score Takes Care of Itself, read this summary. Process defines performance. 

"The Road Is Long"

(MELROSE) Tryouts continued for a second day at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Gymnasium. But that's the secondary story after Coach Scott Celli returning Ryan Schmitt to the second chair. 

Speculation on the lineup is just that. Ten players from the 2021 team return. Captains Chloe Gentile, Gia Vlajkovic, and Sadie Jaggers provide strength up the middle. 

2022 Captains Gia, Chloe, and Sadie (photo courtesy Jen Gentile)

Coach Celli searches to replace 300-plus kills from All-State outside hitter Elena Soukos and another 150 or so from Abby Hudson and Ava Burns. Opportunities abound. 

A pitched battle for the back row positions ensues, especially at libero with Autumn Whelan graduated. 

  

Expect the full roster to be known by Wednesday afternoon. There are always a few surprises. 

 

Become More

One day in the books. Savor your tryout. Make it growth on your journey, neither the be-all nor the end-all.

This brief letter from Kurt Vonnegut deserves your view. 

And remember to bring your best self to tryouts...

No Retreat No Surrender

"Make every day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

Advice for tryouts today:

• Leave an impression. 
• Bring the best version of yourself. 
• If you have an error, refocus and make the next play. 
• Be present. 
• Listen and be coachable. 
• Always make THIS PLAY your focus. 

Borrow from The Four Agreements. 

• "Be impeccable with your word" to others and to yourself. "I can do this." 
• "Never make assumptions." The team is not selected. Force your way onto the floor with your attitude, choices, and effort. 
• "Don't take anything personally." When the coaches correct you, it's not about you, it's a correction that applies to everyone.
• "Always do your best." It won't be perfect and some days won't be as good as others. But commitment to the process and to full engagement gets the best results. 

Coaches see everything. 

Making a List

Be professional at tryouts tomorrow and every day going forward. Don't rely on a parent to bring items that you forgot. Make a list of items needed to bring to tryouts in your gym bag and pack what you can ahead of time. The heat in the gym will be oppressive.

Some common equipment:

1) Sneakers, extra shoes laces (there's a story)

2) Cold drinks, energy bar, fruit

3) Extra socks, extra tee shirt(s)

4) Medication (e.g. inhaler, contact lens solution)

5) Small cooler for lunch (if applicable)

6) Additional personal items (hair ties, whatever)

7) Tape (you'll find a use)

8) Small towel

Professionalism includes promptness, preparedness, positivity, and focus. Listen to the coaches. Years ago a young girl showed up to basketball tryouts, came up to me and said, "I am really excited to be here." Be excited, be prepared. 

Tomorrow

Volleyball tryouts start tomorrow. Coaches are like Santa, knowing who's been naughty or nice. Eating right, getting rest, being mentally prepared...

Having great habits, great process defines you. 

Raise the Bar

Compete hard on the court and in the classroom. 

A recent profile featured Barnstable and their team academic achievements. A small group of Massachusetts teams earned this honor. Aim high. 

This video is the 'most viewed' Melrose volleyball video on YouTube. Melrose faced Barnstable twice in volleyball and has come away 1-1. 

Tryouts start in 2 days. 

How Can I Be a Better Teammate?

 Cross-posted from my basketball site. 

Standards of Excellence

Melrose volleyball has always placed a premium on performance on and off the court. Former players enjoy success in a variety of different fields.

Here are a few study tips (cross-posted) from my basketball site. 

Victoria Crovo. a.k.a. The V-Rex is on her way to becoming...

 Dr. Crovo, as a second-year veterinary student. Victoria attacks the books with the same intensity that helped her become an All-State player. 

Advice from James Andrews, Preseason Rankings

Dr. James Andrews is one of the most famous Orthopedic surgeons in the world. He shares this advice:

“My wife always tells me if you are talking about what you did yesterday, you have not done much today.”

Volleyball tryouts start next Monday with fifty-eight hopefuls registered. Here are preseason rankings (that and $2.50 buys a coffee).