Trust the Process

"Chop wood, carry water" means trust the process. Pay attention to detail to become your best version. It's a little book, an easy but powerful read. 

Here are three lessons from Joshua Metcalf's "Chop Wood, Carry Water." 

1. Fall in Love with the Process

Volleyball rewards the player who loves repetition. "Repetitions make reputations." The ones who get better are the ones who can pass one more ball, serve one more bucket, hit one more approach after everyone else has left.

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your training.”

It’s not glamorous, but mastery never is. The best teams build greatness in the gym, not under the lights.

2. Focus on Who You’re Becoming

Points and wins fade - your identity endures. Every serve, every substitution, every huddle reveals your habits and your heart.

“Who you become is more important than what you achieve.”

Are you the teammate who lifts others, the one who stays ready, the one who owns her role? That’s the player everyone trusts - the one who impacts the team.

3. Be Patient with Growth

Progress isn’t a straight line. It’s a climb - two steps forward, one back.
Errors and losses are tuition, not punishment. They shape toughness and perspective.

“Every setback is a setup for growth.”

A strong team doesn’t panic when the ball hits the floor. It resets, refocuses, and returns to work - chop wood, carry water, one rally at a time.

Lagniappe

The best volleyball programs aren’t chasing shortcuts. They build steady habits, trust in training, and pride in the unseen work.

When it’s time to play, those habits show up.

Chop wood.
Carry water.
Win the moment.