Purpose

"Leaders must embed their own sense of purpose into the heart and soul of every follower. The purpose starts from the leader at the top, and through infectious, dynamic, passionate leadership, it is driven down throughout the organization." - General Colin Powell in It Worked for Me

What's the purpose of Melrose Volleyball? The answer, the why of the players is what matters most. It could be: 

• Be the best version of ourselves every day.
• Play the best volleyball we possibly can. 
• Have the best athletic experience of any community.

Those are just a few answers. Your answer is what counts. The answer reflects your WHY? 

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The purpose of "the blog" is to provide updates on MVB, volleyball education, and education in general. 

Coach Scott Celli's purpose is to help you, the players, achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams. Like a movie director, he is the keeper of the story. 

What does Sinek say about "why?" 

Simon Sinek — Top 3 Principles of WHY

1. People Don’t Buy What You Do — They Buy Why You Do It

This is the cornerstone.

• What you do is obvious.

• How you do it may differentiate you.

• Why you do it is what creates belief, trust, and loyalty.

Coaching translation:
Players don’t commit to drills, systems, or standards. They commit to purpose. When the WHY is clear, effort becomes self-directed rather than enforced.

2. The WHY Must Be Clear, Consistent, and Authentic

WHY isn’t a slogan or a motivational poster. It has to show up every day.

• Decisions must align with it.

• Language must reinforce it.

• Behavior must model it.

If actions contradict the WHY, credibility collapses.

Coaching translation:
If you say “we’re about team” but reward selfish behavior, players stop listening. Culture always follows behavior, not words.

3. WHY Inspires Action; WHAT and HOW Only Inform

Logic explains. Purpose motivates.

• WHAT and HOW appeal to reason.

• WHY appeals to emotion and identity.

• Emotion drives commitment under pressure.

Coaching translation:
In close games, tired legs don’t respond to tactics alone. They respond to meaning—who we are and why this matters.

The bottom line: WHY creates belief, aligns behavior, and sustains effort when motivation fades.

Enjoy the group experience, the joy of competition, and the desire for shared success, what you achieve together. 

Lagniappe. Find a few tips to instill in your game. I liked these:

• Serve where they're not.
• Communicate.
• Know your role

Lagniappe 2. "Women Being Heard." Sport challenges all participants. And everyone faces adversity - no playing well, not playing, physical or mental health issues. Support each other.