UCLA basketball coach John Wooden distributed a new basketball to returning players at the end of each season. He asked it be returned at the beginning of the next. A worn basketball reflected unrequired work.
When tryouts happen in August, coaches won't have to ask who worked on volleyball technique, tactics, physicality, and psychology. It shows.
I used to see the Andover High girls making 10-15 consecutive elbow jumpers. That's why they were champions. Make yourself into a winner.
"Repetitions make reputations." Players like Elena, Gia, and Sadie returned for their senior years not as excellent players but as exceptional ones.
Lagniappe. Volleyball topspin... work it at home. Get the feel of it, then translate to offense.
To become an excellent volleyball player, youe excellence has to be important not optional. Be specific in your intent.
1) To write better, commit to writing better as part of your craft. Volleyballers play volleyball. Podcasters podcast. Writers write.
2) Get feedback. Prompt ChatGPT to critique your writing, pointing out strengths, weakness, and ideas for improvement. Criticism isn't cheating; it's coaching. Negative feedback won't always be accurate. Fred Smith had an idea for overnight delivery from a central hub. His Harvard Business School professor marked his idea "C." The idea became Fedex.
3) Writing is rewriting. Margaret Atwood said she would write and let the book marinate, sometimes for months. Revision makes books.
4) "Bin it." If there's a problem with your story, it's better to cut it than fix it. Space aliens haven't landed in Melrose Square yet. That idea probably won't work. There are exceptions. The Duffer brother wrote Stranger Things and didn't yield to studios who wanted to cut the adults or the kids from the story.
5) "Sit your butt in the chair." Writing is work, both creative and critical. No story exists without doing the work. The opposite goes for MVB. If you want excellence, exit the chair.
How does this relate to MVB?
Commit to excellence.
Everyone benefits from coaching.
Edit your game. Do more of what you're good at.
Do less of what you're not good at.
Get out of the chair to build skill and athleticism.
Lagniappe. Get fit.
FYI. A gallon of water weighs about 8.33 pounds. You don't have to buy dumbbells.
Pat Summitt said, "You have to understand, as a leader, there is no job too small or too big. I will do anything...I'm going to work every day and show them how committed I am."
“One of the really bad things you can do to your writing is to dress up the vocabulary, looking for long words because you’re maybe a little bit ashamed of your short ones. This is like dressing up a household pet in evening clothes.” - Stephen King
Educators change lives. Coaches are educators, changing lives.
Graduate high school able to think and communicate well. Learn from great writers. Ernest Hemingway said, "Writing is easy; all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." Read Stephen King's "On Writing" or at least a summary.
Better writing has shared features such as writing mechanics, originality, clarity and explanation.
Stephen King advises using strong verbs and avoiding adverbs. Have a story structure using plot, characters, and dialogue. Don't make characters one dimensional. Heroes have flaws and villains have strengths. Write initial drafts without worrying about the finished product.
Stories and jokes have three parts - the beginning, the middle, and the end. "What was the last thing George Washington told his men before crossing the Delaware?" --> (Pause) --> "Get in the boat."
Become a storyteller. Use the Heath Brothers "success" acronym - simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, stories." - Chip and Dan Heath, Made to Stick
Write intentionally. Bob Woodward advises, “Investigative journalism seeks the best obtainable version of the truth." He also shares that his articles convey at least six key points. Realize that overcoming the 'tyranny of the blank page' requires creativity and the finished product means multiple revisions. Thrillers mean raising the stakes and other conventions like time pressure of the ticking clock.
Clarity comes from both reading and writing experience. Matt Haig reminds us that writing is a journey as "Every story is about someone searching for something."
Your introduction may inform the story. Tolstoy begins Anna Karenina with "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." The 1205 pages exhaust that reality.
Jargon may confuse readers. An introductory article on volleyball using attack runway, platform skills, pin blockers, or pipe attacks would confuse readers.
Lagniappe. My opinions never come down on stone tablets. MVB can improve its serving to become a stronger program.
Our minds are more powerful than we could ever imagine. Learning mindfulness and meditation has physiologic and psychological benefits. Here are just a few:
Improved sleep
Improved focus/attention
Better classroom behavior
Better grades
Lower blood pressure
Lower circulating stress hormones
Even works for individuals with ADD/ADHD
Educators from multiple ML12 communities have requested and use my presentation... and another
1) Commitment - How bad do you want it? 2) Discipline - It's not about what you feel like doing. 3) Effort - You get out what you put in. 4) Toughness - You have to be able to overcome hard. 5) Pride - Take pride in everything you do.
Success isn't an "either" senior experience "or" youthful enthusiasm proposition.
MVB 25 will blend a combination of experienced seniors led by an ML12 All-Conference player, Sabine Wenzel, with younger players determined to establish themselves as both the present and the future.
This wouldn't be the first time for 'young guns'.
In 2003, the rotation featured a pair of sophomores (Karen and Paula Sen) on the club that earned the first MVB Sectional Title to the Final Four. Karen had 18 kills in the State Semifinal, a five set loss to the State Champion, Marlborough.
In 2007, another young group went to the Sectional Finals before losing to a strong Central Catholic future D1 squad. Melrose had SIX sophomores on that team, including 2007 All-Stater Hannah Brickley and a pair of top youngsters in Colleen Hanscom and Laura Irwin. Hannah, the Queen of MVB, was simply immense.
You can only be as good as your self-belief. History doesn't repeat but it rhymes.
Here's an AI take on developing confidence:
Helping young players build confidence is essential, especially when they haven't yet accumulated a track record of success. Confidence doesn’t need to come only from big, proven moments—it can be cultivated through deliberate coaching, meaningful encouragement, and creating opportunities for small, measurable successes. Here’s how to approach this:
1. Focus on Process over Outcome
Young players often tie confidence to external results, which can fluctuate. Teach them to value effort, improvement, and executing the right actions over simply winning or achieving stats. For example, celebrate when they execute a technique correctly, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Reinforce that mastery of these processes leads to long-term success.
2. Set Achievable Goals
Start with realistic, bite-sized goals tailored to their current skill level. Success in these builds momentum. If a player struggles with serves, set a goal to get three out of five over the net rather than expecting perfection.
3. Catch Them Doing Things Right
Young players often magnify mistakes while overlooking progress. Be their mirror by pointing out their successes, no matter how small:
“You read that hitter so well!”
“Your footwork on that block was textbook.” Positive reinforcement can reshape their internal narrative.
4. Create "Success Scenarios"
In practice, structure drills and situations where players can experience success. For instance, during scrimmages, adjust the matchups or rules to give them a chance to shine and feel the rewards of effective play.
5. Teach Self-Talk
Help players develop empowering self-talk to combat the doubt that creeps in. Encourage them to replace thoughts like “I can’t” with “I’m improving” or “I’m ready.” *Self-Talk is not the same as Self-Listening
6. Provide a Safety Net for Mistakes
Fear of failure erodes confidence. Cultivate an environment where mistakes are framed as opportunities to learn, not reasons for criticism. A team huddle emphasizing growth after an error can reinforce this mindset.
7. Foster Peer Support
Teammates’ encouragement can be as powerful as a coach’s input. Build a culture where players celebrate one another’s contributions, creating a loop of confidence through collective success.
8. Share Stories of Growth
Share examples of professional or older athletes who also struggled early but succeeded through perseverance. Relatable stories can help players see challenges as part of the journey, not a fixed state.
9. Model Confidence
Your demeanor as a coach can set the tone. If you convey belief in their abilities—even when they don’t—they’ll absorb some of that belief for themselves.
10. Use Visualization
Guide them in mentally rehearsing success. Whether it’s a perfect serve or a critical dig, vivid mental imagery can help players feel like they’ve "been there" before.
Confidence is a skill, not a static trait. With patience, intentionality, and a supportive environment, young players can develop the belief that their best is always within reach.
Resilience is a trainable skill. Hard work is a skill. Communication is a skill.
Sadie Jaggers' playoff effort in 2023 coming out of a sickbed should remind MVB players and fans about toughness.
The mental strength shown by MVB youngsters at Longmeadow impressed coaches and fans. Resilience doesn't always yield a win in the short-term but changes everything over the long pull.
Excellent players have skill. Exceptional players are resilient.
Ryan Holiday, author of Ego Is the Enemy and others, conducts a MasterClass examining ancient philosophy and its modern uses.
The third segment, "Resilience" examines using "control" to shift focus. He says that with his first book, he was probably 90 percent concerned about the results - sales and reviews - and 10 percent relieved about having completed the book.
Later, he prioritized 90 percent of his focus to the process of making his writing its best and the remaining 10 percent on goals. Shifting his attention improved both quality and results.
The corollary is that while MVB goals and results matter, development, refining, and execution drive results. How?
Skill - Many of you play offseason volleyball. In addition, work on ball control individually or with a partner. Be specific. Work on footwork, arm swing, platform or components like service toss.
Strategy - Use resources like YouTube and game film to study yourself, MVB, and opponents.
Physicality - Craft a workout plan focused on strength, conditioning, vertical jump, and lateral quickness.
Psychology - Train resilience just as you train your body. Mindfulness and visualization both matter.
Every season informs a lot of gratitude. MVB '24 was no different. Happy Thanksgiving.
Talented players graduate and new talented players are on the horizon. Connect with mentors, former MVB achievers, and teammates to accelerate the process.
Ask those like Elena Soukos, Gia Vlajkovic, Sadie Jaggers, and Carol Higonenq about their process.
How did you work on your attack footwork? Your blocking?
What helped your timing and swing decisions?
What exercises bolstered your vertical jump and arm swing?
In James Kerr's book Legacy about the New Zealand All-Blacks, he shares their traditions and mottos including, "Be a good ancestor" and "Leave the jersey a better place." Be connected to each other, to the past, present, and future.
There's nothing wrong with 'one time' greatness, but many strive for more.
There's a Friendship Equation, too.
Friendship = Experiences x Time
This has actually been studied. Research suggests that it takes 200 hours to establish a friendship...about the length of a season.
Friendships create trust and loyalty and make people better. Greek "Epicurean" philosophers got a bad rap. "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die." They were far more thoughtful, placing friendship above romantic love. Friendship endures.
Lagniappe. Two person volleyball drills. Cement friendships and build skills with two person drills. Love the "block, dig, and set."
“The level of success you achieve comes down to how uncomfortable you are willing to get”
Progress isn’t meant to be easy. But if you can commit to the standard no matter how uncomfortable it gets, you’ll find yourself achieving things you never thought possible. pic.twitter.com/HG7SHBbCa2
This story always resonated. A young girl watched a mogul skier fly down the side of the hill. The little girl told the skier, "I love to watch you ski. You never fall."
The skier herd something different. She realized that she wasn't going hard enough and skied more aggressively, faster. She became a champion when she left her comfort zone.
You've heard the expression about needing the will to win. That has never been enough. It's about having the will to do the necessary preparation to win. Do the unrequired work.
The most important messages you'll receive are those you give yourselves.
1) How can I get better today? Be specific.
2) How am I making others better today? Home, school, extracurriculars. Have you worked out with a teammate?
3) Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence. Find mentors. Be a mentor.
Lagniappe. Hitters don't grow on trees. Elite attack requires a lot of coordination and collaboration.
Work on your footwork constantly.
Work on your armswing.
Get on top of the ball. Great hitters contact the ball as far above the net as possible. Low contact makes blocking easier.
Newton North calls their club program SMASH for a reason. They teach hitting with INTENT first, then direction.
Lagniappe 2.
Crossover step is fundamental to sport. It's how baserunners steal bases and cornerbacks stay connected to receivers. Basketball 'slide step' only gets you so far... be able to 'hip turn' and run. Lateral quickness is critical in sport.
Players wonder, "what do I have to do here?" It's easier than you think, regardless of the sport, regardless of venue.
Euroleague champion coach Etorre Messina say, "character is job one."
Former Patriots consultant Mike Lombardi wrote in Gridiron Genius, ""Moss displayed another Belichick staple: mental toughness, which the Patriots define as “doing what is best for the team when it might not be best for you.”In New England, Moss was a “program guy”: someone whoworks hard, is a supportive teammate, and cares deeply about winning. In other words, someone with football character."
Brad Stevens values "competitive character." He defines this "as the approach to consistently perform well, regardless of the circumstances. It’s combining character with the drive and will to do your best."
Character is who you are, your 'professional approach' to your business. That includes being on time, focused, prepared, showing up daily to play harder for longer.
Competence is your capacity to do whatever it takes, the way your coaches teach it, aggressively and consistently. That means performing to make those around you better and to impact winning.
It's unsurprising that seniors play well in a road playoff game. Underclassmen playing with poise and purpose in the same setting is less expected. That sets up something to build on going forward.
It starts with you - character and competence. Those earn Coach Celli's trust.
Lagniappe. You can't win with emotion alone. But you can't win without it.
Saban Saturday GOLD🥇
“You must focus on the things that have made us good all season long.”
The best teams are able to live in the present.
- They know the process. - They trust the process. - They live the process.
One of the most difficult things for me as a coach is when I want something for a player worse than they want it for themselves. pic.twitter.com/KKmoig84ad
The most memorable experiences happen when talented players and coaches combine their abilities with ambition. "Winners are winners before they have won."
Winners act like winners at home, at school, and on the court. Winners are punctual, focused, and practice to impact the game.
The returning MVB players have the talent to succeed. They have the 'fuel' of size and/or athleticism. Coaching gives them the oxygen. They need to provide the heat needed for metaphorical combustion.
Spoiler alert...it's a privilege to write recommendations. Many of you will someday request and later write recommendations. Learn the process.
The self-made person doesn't exist. Well-known people get help up the ladder. Sometimes it's a boost, for others it's providing the ladder itself.
Letters of recommendation afford players another scaffold in careers under construction.
What contributes to a forceful recommendation? Consider a template:
1) Purpose - writing in support of ______ applying for ________
2) Introduction - brief background about the author
3) Observation - interactions with the subject (emphasis on character and competence)
4) Accomplishments - support for recommendation (contact the person for details)
5) Peak performance (description of highlight performance)
6) Comparison - whom is she like? Comparison with a well-known achiever can help others see them more favorably
7) Closing - people remember peaks and ends (be memorable)
A digression to ChatGPT:
[Your Name] [Your Title or Position] [Your School/Organization Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee [College/University Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for [Student’s Full Name], who has been a remarkable member of [Your School/Organization] for the past [timeframe]. As [Your Position, e.g., a teacher, advisor, or coach], I have had the privilege of working closely with [Student’s First Name] and witnessing their impressive growth, academic excellence, and exceptional character.
[Student’s First Name] is a [describe qualities such as hardworking, curious, or ambitious] individual who consistently strives for excellence in all they undertake. In my [subject or capacity, e.g., AP Physics or mentoring role], [Student’s First Name] not only demonstrated mastery of the material but also brought an eagerness to explore beyond the curriculum. Their ability to ask thoughtful questions and make connections across disciplines sets them apart as a student who truly loves learning.
Beyond the classroom, [Student’s First Name] is an active contributor to our school community. As [specific roles, e.g., captain of the volleyball team or lead organizer of a school fundraiser], they exemplify leadership, teamwork, and resilience. One memorable example of their dedication occurred during [specific example, e.g., organizing a charity event or stepping up during a critical team moment]. Their ability to inspire peers and remain calm under pressure is a testament to their maturity and leadership.
Equally notable is [Student’s First Name]’s commitment to making a positive impact outside of school. Through [describe extracurricular or community service activities], they have shown a profound sense of responsibility and compassion. Whether [specific activity or achievement, e.g., mentoring younger students or volunteering at a local food bank], they approach every task with sincerity and a desire to make a difference.
I have no doubt that [Student’s First Name] will bring the same energy, intellect, and determination to your institution as they have to our school. They have the skills, work ethic, and character to thrive in a rigorous academic environment and contribute meaningfully to your campus community. I wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s First Name] for admission to [College/University Name].
Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you require further information.
Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Position]
Combine essential information with our authenticity to help others.
Lagniappe. What's our 'why'? Two minutes explaining how coaches get more than we give.
"I don't know how much I helped them get what they wanted, but they helped me get everything I wanted. So thank you"
6 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 12 cups)
1 bunch thyme, wrapped in cheesecloth
Kosher salt
½ cup (104 g) sugar, divided
2 bottles (1,500 ml) red wine of your choice, divided
2 tsp (12 g) kosher salt
2¼ tsp (14 g) freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly
6 brioche buns
8½ oz (240 g) Fromager d’Affinois cheese, divided
Make the Patties
1. You may ask a supermarket butcher to grind all of the meat for you. Or grind it at home if you have a meat grinder: Combine all of the cubes of meat in a large bowl, and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes before grinding. Grind the meat twice, first through a large die and then through a medium die. The medium die should not be smaller than ⅓ inch. (If you are using a KitchenAid mixer, use only the ⅓-inch coarse plate, or “die,” twice instead of switching to the medium die.) Refrigerate the ground meat for 20 to 30 minutes before mixing it and forming the patties.
2. To form the burgers, remove the ground meat from the refrigerator and mix it together with a spatula. Using your hands, divide the meat into 6 portions that are 8 ounces each. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over a 4½-inch ring mold, allowing a few inches of the plastic wrap to hang over the sides. Use your hands to pack the mold tightly with the ground meat. The mold will help maintain the shape of the patties. Once the mold is packed with meat, gently fold over the overhanging plastic wrap, flip over the mold, and carefully push the meat through the mold. Keep each patty securely wrapped in the plastic wrap from the mold. Place each wrapped patty on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate overnight.
Make the Caramelized Onions
1. The onions can be made 1 day in advance, and the recipe can be halved if fewer onions are preferred. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir in the onions with a large wooden spoon, and add the bundled thyme. Sprinkle the onions with a generous pinch of salt to help extract the water from the onions as they cook. Cook, with the lid off, until the onions are translucent and start to become golden brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.
2. Stir in half of the sugar, and continue to cook the onions until they become a deep golden brown, another 10 minutes. Deglaze the pot with half of 1 bottle of red wine, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot with the wooden spoon. Turn the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking slowly, stirring occasionally, until all of the wine has evaporated and the onions start to turn brown, about 10 minutes. Deglaze the pot with the second half of the bottle of wine, and stir in the remaining sugar. Repeat the cooking and deglazing process with the second bottle of wine, letting it reduce for about an hour. Season with salt and pepper. When finished, the onions should be soft and jammy.
3. Bring the onions and the Fromager d’Affinois cheese (with the rind on) to room temperature before cooking the meat.
Make the Burgers
1. Oil the grill, and turn it to medium-low heat. Cook the burgers straight from the refrigerator, without bringing them to room temperature. Season them with a generous sprinkle of salt on both sides just before placing them on the grill. Sear the burgers on the first side for 1 minute, then flip them with a long metal spatula every 30 seconds, rotating them 90 degrees each time, for a total of about 12 minutes for medium rare. You can also use a cake tester to know when they’re done, inserted into the burgers from the side in the middle. Leave the cake tester in for about a minute, then pull it out and gently touch it to the inside of your wrist or under your lower lip. If it feels warm, just above your body temperature, the burgers are done. When finished, let the burgers rest in a warm place, on a metal rack placed over a sheet tray, for 6 minutes.
2. Cut the brioche buns in half, and toast the inside of the buns on the grill, rotating them 90 degrees as they toast to create crosshatch marks if you’d like. Remove the buns after about 30 seconds. Put the burgers back on the grill to heat up slightly, for about 15 seconds, which will help the cheese melt when you plate the burgers. Place a burger on each bun, and top each with a generous dollop of the cheese and then the onions. Serve immediately.
Leadership isn't a part-time responsibility. Own leadership at home, in school, and extracurricular activities. Without a team, there is no leadership.
Model excellence.
Be consistent. Show up every day.
Achievement in the classroom matters. Focus in school resonates to focus in athletic performance.
Engage teammates with your leadership during workouts, practice, and games.
Workout with a teammate to raise both of your games. Urban Meyer talks about 10-80-10 percent performance distribution. Drag an 80 percenter into the top 10 percent with you.
Study leaders across multiple domains. Here are a few books that share leadership concepts.
The All Blacks employ several methodologies to build and sustain this mental fortitude. One fundamental strategy is the cultivation of a positive mindset. They emphasize the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, rather than being bogged down by external variables. This philosophy empowers players to concentrate on their own effort and execution, fostering a sense of agency and reducing feelings of helplessness when faced with challenging situations.
Resilience, another crucial element, is ingrained in the team’s culture through deliberate practice and preparation. The All Blacks engage in scenarios that simulate high-pressure conditions, allowing players to experience and adapt to stress in a controlled environment. This practice not only builds confidence but also familiarizes players with the emotional and psychological landscape of competitive pressure, making it less daunting during actual games.
The All Blacks also prioritize psychological strength by incorporating techniques such as mindfulness and visualization into their training regimen. Mindfulness practices help players stay present, reducing anxiety related to past failures or future uncertainties. Visualization, on the other hand, enables players to mentally rehearse successful outcomes and strategize for potential adversities, thereby enhancing their readiness and response during high-stakes moments.
From the Useem review...it's not just the coach whose leadership matters.
Exceptional performance demands exceptional commitment. Running sprints or lifting weights when nobody else is separates extraordinary from ordinary.
You might say, "but I want to be with my friends." Life is about choices. None of you are "nepo babies," born with the silver spoon whom life will gift success. I'm not sorry that you have to scratch and claw and fight for the life you want.
The word that changes people is 'sacrifice'. Sacrifice arises from the Latin facere (to make) and sacer (holy, sacred). Your work "makes holy" your results.
When you play hard, tough, and selflessly you have a chance to become exceptional. It's your choice.
Coach Saban finds controversy. He's a winner but far from universally popular. Homespun wisdom litters his conversation.
My favorite Sabanism is "it takes what it takes." Want to be a better student? Read more, think more, study more. Want to be an exceptional volleyball player? Practice core skills, study the game, boost athleticism and resilience. That's a big ask for adolescents.
What are reasonable expectations? Ask yourself, "what drives me?"
There are academic answers like, "autonomy, mastery, and purpose" explored in Dan Pink's book Drive. I don't think that's worth your time.
Because you love volleyball, answer practically. "I want to learn. I want to improve. I want to be the best libero in the Middlesex League."
What would I say to Sabine? "You should want to have the best middle hitter season in the history of MVB. That means comparing yourself to Hannah Brickley, Sarah McGowan, Emma Randolph, and a few other All-State MVB middles." That translates first to winning and second to dominating games consistently.
Play for the girls next to you. Talk for them and to them. Bring energy and energize teammates. Make everyone around you better at home, in school, on the court. When you've left all you have out there every day, then you'll know you've done enough.
Lagniappe. Do the work.
“The kids in our room that haven’t played yet and sometimes they want to pout, they need to realize that you don’t know when your time is coming. Will you work while you wait?” Kirby Smart pic.twitter.com/zBkcY3FIvE
