Previewing the MVB Banquet, Savor It

December 7th will be the last time some of you gather for a long time. Savor it. 

Remember that MVB readers recently learned a new word, "MUDITA." Think, "your joy is my joy." 

Here are my favorite parts of the annual event. 

1. Team sports are about relationships. Over twenty years ago, volleyball was a novelty in our home. MVB became part of the fabric of our community. Even locals who know little about the sport know about MVB. In some ways it's like an old television show, "Cheers," where 'everyone knows your name.' The banquet renews relationships, as spring reaffirms rebirth. 

2. It's about the culture. The banquet celebrates culture. MVB has its rites. Summer camps, fundraisers, lollipops, "Who Let the Dogs Out," and the warm up music weave and sustain the culture. "Anyone, anywhere, anytime" applies as Melrose scheduled the newly minted State Champions in D1 and D2 and the semifinalist Frontier in D4. As Jon Bovi sings in Just Older, "You can't win until you're not afraid to lose." 

3. Season recap. Coach Scott Celli summarizes the season. It's a celebration not a postmortem. The blend of veterans, eager new arrivals, and 'competitive cauldron' brew successful season after season. Be confident in your success. 

Confidence balances arrogance and doubt. In 2006, Melrose basketball faced off against Masco at Tsongas in a Sectional battle of 22-0 unbeatens. I asked a player when she knew they would win. She said, "in the tunnel before the game. We danced to the music; they were shaking." 

4. "This is not a union job." In the book, Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches," we learn the culture and currency of the dominant plains tribe. Your horses reflected your power and wealth. You got your first horse at about age four. A great chief would control up to 1,500. After each MVB season, you're back to your first horse, learning the intricacies of horsemanship. 

Nobody "owns" a position. Your coaches give you tools. Coach Celli explains that he plays those who give the team the best chance to succeed. Victora Crovo as a freshman was the best player on the floor in the sectional title loss. Ruth Breen rose from back up to senior setter on a sectional champion. Gia Vlajkovic and Sadie Jaggers changed positions between junior and senior seasons. 

Your decisions define your destiny.

 

5. "Tradition never graduates." Coach Celli explains the leadership selection process. It's rigorous, thoughtful, and it works. "Attitude reflects leadership" and the leadership will always be there. As successful as this past season was, next season could be even more. 

Anticipate the gathering and savor the moment.

Lagniappe. "Be so good they can't forget you." James Clear (Atomic Habits) advises us to align our behaviors and our habits with whom we desire to be. Empower yourselves with confidence.

Write down your successes. Control a positive narrative. Find role models, especially women. Have elite attitude, values, and character.

1. "Count yourself in." 

2. "Give yourself 20 seconds of courage."

3. "Take a seat at the table."

4. "Cheer for other people's success." (Don't pull up the ladder.)

5. "Confidence is born in all we've achieved."

6. "Celebrate constantly."

  

“Be

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