A Star's Light Shines on Others

"Once more, because it’s a truth worth underscoring: a championship team needs to have some elite talent." - Bill Belichick in "The Art of Winning"

Star players help teams win with superior performance and through their impact on teammates. 

Belichick added, "Not tape or coaching or raw talent. Those players knew they’d become better—that they’d become winners—because the people around them set a bar and they had no choice but to reach it. Elite players like Rodney Harrison make other players better."

Star players often mentor and motivate teammates. Think back to last season when setter Leah Fowke filled in as a hitter for the good of the team. She was All-State and All-Conference with skill setting, blocking, serving, and defending. Asked to do something more, she did that, too. The willingness to do whatever will help the team succeed is a hallmark of team players. Developing a broad skill set helps a player add value. 

Nine seniors graduate from MVB 24, lots of talented, experienced players. And many excellent players return, enthusiastic to show their skills. Local fans can expect both veterans and newcomers to perform at a high level.

Lagniappe. Be coachable. 

ChatGPT advice on coachability:

Coachability is a cornerstone of volleyball development, especially as players move to more competitive levels where technical precision, tactical awareness, and team cohesion are critical. At its core, coachability refers to a player's openness to feedback, willingness to change, and consistent effort to improve—not just when things are going well, but especially in moments of challenge or correction.

Key Aspects of Coachability in Volleyball

1. Receptiveness to Feedback

   • At higher levels, feedback is more frequent, specific, and often less sugar-coated. Coachable players listen without defensiveness and show that they value the input by trying to apply it immediately and thoughtfully.

2. Adaptability

   • Volleyball demands constant adjustment—reading hitters, reacting to blocking schemes, or adapting to a new setter. A coachable player doesn’t cling to old habits but embraces change as a route to improvement.

3. Growth-Oriented Mindset

   • Mistakes are inevitable, but coachable athletes treat them as learning opportunities. They seek understanding and correction rather than excuses or blame.

4. Effort and Follow-Through

   • It's not just about listening—it's about doing. Coachable players follow through in practice reps, video review, conditioning, and mindset work. They don't just nod in agreement—they show up to prove it.

5. Team-Focused Mentality

   • Volleyball is inherently collaborative. Coachable players prioritize the system over their own stat line. They are open to roles that help the team—even if it's not their first choice—and they uplift teammates by modeling humility and professionalism.

6. Emotional Maturity

   • At higher levels, the game becomes more emotionally intense. Coachable players regulate their reactions, take responsibility, and remain engaged even when frustrated or benched.

Why It Matters More at Higher Levels

As players move up, physical talent alone is not enough. The separation often lies in a player’s mental flexibility and willingness to evolve. Coaches want athletes who can absorb adjustments quickly, elevate team standards, and hold themselves accountable.

In short: skill gets you noticed, but coachability keeps you growing.