"Youth Night" - Equality and Quality

A force in her own right, Sheryl Sandberg wrote the introduction to Adam Grant's Originals. 

Her words reflect her commitment to quality. Women's sports prove the value of both quality and equality. 

It's appropriate to ask whether one person makes a difference on the cusp of "Youth Night." Every one of the 18 All-State players from Melrose was once an elementary or middle schooler with no volleyball exposure. In 2002, Marianne Foley and Amanda Labella convinced twin sisters to choose volleyball over swimming. That helped lead to the "First Dynasty" of sectional titles 2003-2005. You've seen the picture of Stephanie Crovo who went from child to champion on the 2012 Titlist. 

MVB captured girls' attention and later their hearts. Volleyball migrated from the 'other sport' for many to become primary. MVB stars come in all sizes from economy to extra tall. Some start painfully quiet and become squawk boxes. A few impact the sport as freshmen like Victoria Crovo. Others become key figures on a sectional champion as a senior as Ruth Breen did. No cookie cutter path defines MVB. 

Tomorrow a few young Melrose girls may succumb to MVB magnetism on the drive to destiny. Make the day special.