Post 2600. Do. Not. Quit.

The opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. Do not blame the City of Melrose, the Melrose School Department, Melrose High School, or the Athletic Department. 

As a coach, I valued our teams being worthy competitors. Serena Williams described a match in Asia, trailing 0-5, her opponent serving for the set, up 40-15. Serena told herself, "I can't lose this point." She ultimately won the point, the set, and the match. 

Each year brings a new team. And each team must learn how to win. 

Melrose enjoyed great comebacks through the years, most recently against Billerica in the 2021 sectional championships. 

Comebacks arise by "playing present," remaining engaged, and focusing on process rather than on result. 

In 2011 Melrose had an epic comeback to win at Central Catholic despite trailing 23-13 and 24-16. For years Central had become the "white whale" of the program. 

Melrose achieved the comeback scoring 11 kills over its final 13 points from trailing 23-15. They fought by winning points. 

Most of the top "early history" games didn't involve epic comebacks. This 2011 post chronicles some of the best matches. 

Not every comeback yields a win. In a State Title loss in 2005, Melrose trailed Medfield 0-2, 16-23 and rallied to win the third and fourth sets. Jen Cohane sustained a concussion during the comeback. Do. Not. Quit. 

Lagniappe. Teams with high ambitions need technically sound blocking. 

Court zones