Legacy, Does It Matter? Melrose Hosts Arlington Tonight

The young players who will someday succeed you know remarkably little about Melrose Volleyball history. 

The volleyball banner hasn't yet updated all the achievements of the program, highlighted by a State Championship in 2012 and nine sectional titles. These included a 'threepeat' from 2003-2005 and a four-decker from 2009-2012. 

Continuity over those two decades include community support and the Coaching of Scott Celli.

A former Wakefield Coach Nicole Trudeau described Melrose as a "Legacy Program." Current players and coaches are part of that legacy. 
 

People, not hardware, define Melrose Volleyball...but there is hardware. Melrose had numerous memorable, if not 'signature' wins. It's first sectional championship in 2003 defeated Arlington Catholic, 3-0, a 22-0 team that had not lost a set all season. 

Melrose had exceptional teams year after year. Here's an excerpt from 2009:

The 2012 State Championship team deserves special memory as a 'wagon'. "Never underestimate the primacy of platform skills. Melrose became a very strong 'ball control' team with integrated skill in serve receive, digging, and passing."

Teams win with talent and the 2012 team had four players who ultimately earned All-State honors - Brooke Bell, Sarah McGowan, Jill MacInnes, and Allie Nolan. It also had seven seniors, often the fuel and experience needed to overcome adversity. For example, during the 2012 run, Melrose trailed in two sets to Canton before emerging victorious. 

Which brings us to 2022 with half a dozen seniors, all with major roles. You don't have to question whether you have the right stuff to win, leaning into the 2021 Sectional Championship comeback win at Billerica. 

Former Patriots' Coach Bill Parcells said, "Confidence comes from proven success." Past performance and legacy status can't guarantee league titles or deep playoff runs. Critics of Melrose used to say that they play too basic, too simple, not flashy. All you do is win. 

Melrose notes: Melrose completes its Liberty Division schedule hosting Arlington tonight at the MVMMS Gym.