Criticism

Criticism is inevitable. It comes from multiple agendas, including love. Friends and family want what's best for their child as the top priority. 

Coaches have a different responsibility - the best interest of the team.

There's an old Bob Knight quote, "If you listen to the fans in the stands, soon you'll be up there sitting with them."

Jerod Mayo posted this in the Patriots' locker room, "Don't worry about criticism from those you would never seek advice from." 

This Brad Stevens quote fits, "what does our team need today?" Coach Scott Celli has never feared making changes for the good of the team. 

• Change in strategy - when a 6-2 strategy failed, he immediately switched to a 5-1 approach (single setter). 
• Change in position - Alyssa DiRaffaele moved from the front row to libero and helped the 2011 team to the State Finals. 
• Substitutions - a near defeat at Reading twenty plus years ago impacted Coach Celli's thoughts on bringing reserves in early. 
• Personnel promotion. Freshmen (Paula Sen, Hannah Brickley, Victoria Crovo, Emily Hudson, Chloe Gentile and others) have often impacted the MVB success. 

Coaches use multiple survival methods. 

1. The best has always been winning; even that's imperfect.
2. Lead by example - mindset, preparation, and performance is best. 
3. Never discuss a player's performance with other parents. 
4. The 24-hour rule matters - wait until the next day to discuss performance. 
5. Many coaches choose to never discuss strategy. Few parents are well-informed re: strategy. 

Decades ago Coach John Wooden wrote a letter to his players. He said that although they would not always agree with his decisions, they would always reflect his beliefs in what was best for the team. 

A lot of knowledge, experience, and reflection goes into successful coaching. It's hard. Coach Celli has been among the best, evidenced by his inclusion in the MAVCA Hall of Fame. 

Lagniappe. Grit...