Creating a Hit Show

A successful team is similar to a "hit" movie. Each template has 1) talented stars 2) skilled supporting cast 3) behind the scene contributions 4) inspiring director. All the components working in selfless harmony on set. #OscarNight

— Gordon Chiesa (@gchiesaohmy) March 15, 2026

Leverage the power of analogy. Coach Chiesa likens team sports to Hollywood productions. Let's examine the possibilities. 

Talented Stars

Top players are "the straws that stir the drink." Tom Brady says that the hidden factor is 'consistency', the ability to show up and to perform at a high level, day after day when its hard. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reminds us "there is always a pecking order." Being 'the star' means attention that cuts both ways, the highlights when winning and the critical spotlights when not. 

“To be successful, you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren't: consistent, determined, and willing to work for it. No shortcuts.”

— Tom Brady

Success favors consistency. pic.twitter.com/8H2yk2Brb7

— Curious Minds (@CuriousMindsHub) March 7, 2026

Supporting Cast

Poet John Donne wrote, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." Each part makes the whole.

Volleyball is not golf or tennis, one player against another. Team sport challenges people to collaborate and build a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Offseason training is an ecosystem that allows you to shape a shared vision, shared mission, and shared sacrifice in pursuit of greater goals. Be "force multipliers." 

Be there not only with each other but for each other. 

Show up daily with your best effort, even when you don't feel like it. 

Behind the Scenes

Ordinary people can shape extraordinary accomplishments with a support system. Your family provides you with the picks and shovels to help you mine gold. Recognize their sacrifice and support that allows you to do what you love. 

Make their job easier by being part of the team at home. 

Do yourself a favor by taking care of your business at school. And help yourself by keeping a 'scrapbook' of both traditional and electronic media.  

Inspiring Director 

"The director is the keeper of the story." - Ron Howard   Coach Scott Celli and his staff are your biggest advocates and supporters after your family. Understand that "mentoring is the only shortcut to success." Coaches have limited direct impact during the offseason. "Pick their brains" prospecting for tips that help you achieve the "asymptote of excellence." 

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"You own your paycheck." If you want a hit show, craft your blueprint. 

Lagniappe. Volleyball education... MVB has always excelled at the net, even when they didn't have "elite size." AVCA Tip of the Week shares an action to improve around the net.