Don't Get Ready. Be Ready and Stay Ready.

You never know when your number might be called. Some players might think, "I can relax. I'm a non-factor in this game."

Think again.

The history of Melrose volleyball says otherwise. In the D2 semifinal game of 2004, Melrose was struggling against Case. Sophomore defensive specialist Laura Dillon came off the bench to help Melrose take the match to five sets in a losing cause.

In 2005, setter Amanda Hallett broke a shoelace in a Saturday showdown against D1 powerhouse Andover (finalist in state tournament). Taylor Pearson came off the bench while Amanda made an equipment change. Melrose won six of those seven points. Be ready (and check your shoelaces). Melrose beat the D1 runner-up in five sets. 

In 2017, Winchester dominated Melrose in the first set of a match at Winchester. Freshman Emily Hudson sparked Melrose to a rally as they won a set against a powerful Winchester club. I doubt Emily even expected to play, but she was a key contributor that day. 

Great coaches make hard choices to put their best TEAM on the court. That can change at any time. Stay ready. 

Melrose notes: Chatting in the stands recently, a high school coach told me, "Caroline Higonenq has good size and is an excellent athlete. She has a future in this program." Always embrace your role while preparing to expand it. "Do more to become more; become more to do more."