It's Not Either / Or, It's Both

NICK SABAN PROCESS

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.

~via @TheCoachJournal

— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) November 24, 2024

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.