Tougher

Winning is hard. That's why people place such a premium on winning.

A lot of great coaches don't talk about winning. Coach John Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" emphasizes the building blocks to achieve competitive greatness. Coach Nick Saban prioritized "The Process," that which teams need to navigate. Here he discusses the importance of "Nothing." 

The "Nothing" skills of commitment, discipline, attention to detail, focus, and toughness help players and teams develop the skill, strategy, physicality, and psychology needed for success. 

Distill that? To avoid getting nothing, avoid doing nothing. 

Why has MVB been successful in the past? Players sacrificed, embracing the grind to improve. Coach Scott Celli studies volleyball, watches volleyball, and reads about coaching and leadership as a lifelong learner. 

CAPT T.E. Walsh, my training superviser in the Navy had a saying, "I am your mentor and your tormentor." He understood that we sink to the level of our training. "Mentoring is the only shortcut to excellence."

Lagniappe. Train with only a few players. Be inclusive with rising frosh. They're humble and hungry. Just as last season's team had meaningful contributions from Elise, Ella, and Sadie, this year's team might have contributions from newcomers.