MVB Banquet Recap

It was a night of superlatives for MVB with its annual end-of-season banquet, held at Rosaria's in Saugus.

The company and food were excellent as Melrose celebrated the 2023 season. 

Coach Scott Celli hosted the wrap-up of his 24th season at the helm in Melrose. Coaches gave their perspectives on the season, especially the importance of development at the subvarsity levels. 

Varsity players received their letters, bars (returnees), stars (captains), and certificates for special achievements (All-Star, All-Conference). 

Coach Celli announced that Sadie Jaggers received All-Scholastic honors from The Boston Herald in addition to her MAVCA All-State recognition. 

The crowd enjoyed a video put together by Manon Marchais including both stills, season action, and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. 

Coach Celli distributed plaques recognizing team awards: 

Top Server - percentage of service points, Maggie Turner

Top Offensive Player - Leah Fowke

Top Defender - Grace Gentile

Most Improved - Sabine Wenzel

Unsung Hero - Manon Marchais

MVP - Sadie Jaggers

Coach's Award for Special Contribution - Leah Fowke

Nancy Fowke administered some 'special awards' including the Lollipop Award for reimagining pregame lollipops and the Marketing Award for the Sandwich Board on game days which found a home in front of Dunks. 

Captains run a gauntlet to earn captaincy. After expressing interest in captaincy, players complete an application form, and both players and coaches get weighted votes on their top three choices. Once the voting process is complete, nominees must pass approval of the AD and school principal. 

The 2024 captains include Leah Fowke (returning), Maggie Turner, Gigi Albuja, and Sabine Wenzel. 

Lagniappe. Who will emerge from training to become the big outside hitters?