Play Day Images

Photographs from Jen Gentile...click on an image to enlarge. 

Melrose Opens Season Wednesday, Hosting Peabody

Melrose hosts Peabody Wednesday to launch the 2022 campaign. Melrose has a short history of three games against the Tanners according to the MaxPreps history page. Last season Peabody showed a formidable defense and with experience it's likely to be even better. 

Melrose has a typical blend of experience and youth with six seniors and six underclassmen, three juniors and three sophomores. 

Melrose relies heavily on 'strength up the middle' with captains Chloe Gentile and Sadie Jaggers and setters Captain Gia Vlajkovic and Emma Desmond. 

With losses of All-State outside hitter Elena Soukos and All-Star libero Autumn Whelan, Melrose will reestablish both the front and back row. 

Historically, Melrose derived much of its offense via middle hitters, so this season may be more the norm than exception, although defying the trend of the dominant outside hitter. 

Coach Scott Celli provides the technical and tactical edge that puts players in position to succeed. But players own execution of the game plan. A team is more than twelve girls who wear the same uniform. 

When some teams come in to the Middle School Gym and win, it's their Super Bowl, the biggest win of their lives. Don't ever make it easy. 

Lagniappe (something extra). Years ago, as an assistant basketball coach in Middle School, the head coach asked me to address the girls after a devastating beatdown. I didn't say much. "You choose whether to stand up for yourselves or be pushed around without responding. How you play reflects how you live your lives." 

Jen Sinkler shares thoughts from legendary Cal rugby coach Jack Clark. Here's their leadership framework:

"We open up the leadership model; it’s not just the conventional model of the minority leading the majority. I just don’t happen to think that’s all that powerful. If I’m the leader, that means everyone else is a follower. I’m not happy with that...I think where people get that mixed up is they confuse rank — how you make decisions, who’s the boss — with the leadership model. On this team, the leadership model is open to everybody. For instance, even if you’re a freshman, you have the ability to make those around you better and more productive: Don’t be a distraction, be on time, know your stuff, play hard and well when you’re called on. Even if you’re not the star player, you’re contributing to that leadership model."

Big Game Hunters, a Look Back at Melrose-Barnstable 2009

"Make the big-time where you are." Be excited, not nervous. 

Melrose has played big games for decades, winning championships, starting in 2003 when they beat Arlington Catholic who came in 22-0 having not lost a set the entire season. 

But the 2009 match against Barnstable was another to remember. Barnstable is the unquestioned premier program in the state, having won 18 Division 1 State Championships. They are 'the' volleyball brand in Massachusetts. 

Melrose's squad was loaded in 2009, including future Hall-of-Famer Hannah Brickley and setter Colleen Hanscom, who will be inducted into the Hall in a couple of weeks. Add in one of the most underrated hitters in Melrose history, Laura Irwin and other terrific players...and you'll set the results. Study the "hitting intent" that former Newton North coach Richard Barton described and especially the craft of Hannah who 'hit 'em where they ain't." 

The Best Coaches (Cross-Posted)

The coach put all ten players on the court to start to the game. The officials called a technical foul for too many players in the game. The coach looked at the stands and said, "See, I told you I can only start five."

I recently spoke with a former college coach in another sport. He discussed an unhappy parent whose son wasn't getting much playing time. He explained that their son was there on scholarship and it was in everyone's interest, especially his (the coach) that the son succeed. But the player wasn't adjusting to the speed and intensity of the game. 

Excel in your role while competing hard in preparation and practice to expand your role. Roles are not carved in stone.

Here's a post from my basketball site on "The Best Coaches." 

Some of you don't know Coach Celli's resume. 

• Over 500 wins
• Double digit league championships
• State championship
• Nine 'sectional' championships
• Division 2 Volleyball Coach of the Year
• Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame (2011)
• MIAA Team Sportsmanship Award
• Over a dozen players achieved All-State status
• Multiple Division 2 Players of the Year 

I'm sure that more achievements exist. But Melrose is fortunate to have both quality and consistency in volleyball coaching. 

Rules for Newbies

Worse than being upset with the officiating is being upset AND not knowing the rules. It takes awhile. 

When I started watching in 2002, I didn’t know a lot of the rules. Here are a few to know:

1. A ball hitting the line is IN.

2. Once the official whistles the ball in play, the server has eight seconds to serve. 

3. A ball going outside the antenna and landing in the court is out of play. It happens but is still OUT.  

4. A player cannot touch or pass the service line with her foot when serving.

5. A ball hitting the ceiling/rafters is in play unless it goes over the net.

6. A blocker cannot contact the ball until it has broken the plane of the net or it's a foul of going over the net. 

7. Officials decide whether a ball is set cleanly depending on the spin out of the hands (double hit). 

8. An attack blocked that lands out of bounds is scored a point for the attacking team (wiping the block).

9. A ball striking the antenna is OUT of play.

10.A ball that strikes the net and rolls down the net untouched is scored depending on its landing point.

11.Defenders can play the ball with their feet and it can be advantageous to do so.

12. Officials can signal a “replay” or “do-over” if they cannot determine whether a ball landed inbounds.

Knowing these rules gives you a leg up on other newcomers. 

Playing Present - "Do the Math"

"Great cornerbacks have short memories." What's worse than making a physical or mental error? It's allowing one bad play to bleed into a series of bad plays. 

Coaches use multiple terms for staying engaged, affirmations to face adversity.  

• "Play present." 
• "Be here now." 
• "Next play."
• "Move on." 

It's never, "don't worry about it." 

In baseball, the .300 hitter is an all-star. In volleyball, coaches track "attack efficiency" or "hitting efficiency." 

Efficiency = (KILLS - errors)/attacks 

The exceptions to an attack attempt are: 

-(1) An attempt is not charged on a ball played over the net on serve reception that is kept in play by the opposing team. This is called an overpass. 

-(2) An attempt is not charged on a free ball played over the net when, in the opinion of the statistician, the free ball is passed only to keep the ball in play. 

-(3) An attempt is not charged to a player if, in the opinion of the statistician, the set is bad and the player plays the ball over the net only to keep the ball in play. 

-(4) An attempt is not charged to a player if, in the opinion of the statistician, the player passes the ball over the net only to keep it in play

Restated, "get me over" returns do not add to the denominator. Elite teams win points, not relying on opponent errors. 

Here are the NCAA leaders...note that none are under six feet tall...approaching fifty percent is superlative. 

Melrose volleyball notes: With a few practices left, Melrose will work on tightening up the defense and finalizing the initial rotation. One key to the "legacy program" status is the ability to bring along young players to contribute over multiple seasons. Watching their development will be just one of many reasons to attend the opener Wednesday. 

The Boston Globe lists 10 "Players to Watch." Melrose has a pair of seniors who deserve honorable mention including Chloe Gentile and Gia Vlajkovic. 

Play Day Feature

Melrose and Masconomet prepare for their play day scrimmage. 

Melrose had its final tuneup for its September 7th opener, hosting its first play day with six area teams. The locals emerged with a four and one record, slightly outpointed by Masco. 

"Coaches don't make lineups, players do." Spirited competition separates the cream. With Chloe Gentile back from illness, Melrose had a full complement of players for the five thirty-minute sessions. 

Volleyball takes you places. 

1. UCONN Coach Geno Auriemma says that if an assistant coach has to ask whom they're scouting after a few minutes, they're in the wrong place. Stars impact the game from the jump. 

2. Evaluation parallels execution. Watching a big cohort of players, you'll see some who, "look like Tarzan and play like Jane." That didn't apply to a number of Masco athletes who showed both size and athleticism. Strength and conditioning polish hidden gems into precious stones. 

3. Athletic carriage. Watch how players carry themselves. Some have 'it', an air of confidence and swagger that carries over into the matches.

4. "Play with force." Often the more aggressive team carries the play. Volleyball is often a game of momentum. Beating good teams requires winning points, "possession ending" plays. What separates more effective from average players is often decisiveness manifested as force. 

5. "Get me over." Situations arise when getting the ball over is the right play, as opposed to going for winners. When that's the case, don't be 'cute'...get the ball over, instead of short into the net. Those are the equivalents of basketball turnovers. 

6. Grade inflation? Achievement equals productivity x time. But more productivity also earns players more time. Bill Parcells had a saying that coaches were the most selfish people, as they put players on the field who make them look good. 

7. Buy or sell? It's premature to make pronouncements about the season, but the team has shown competitiveness which is needed for success. I spoke with Coach Ryan Celli of Swampscott who said his team accomplished goals of making Melrose work for points and continuing their ascent towards becoming a playoff club.  

8. Great Wall 2? Blocking is pivotal in establishing consistent defense. Blocking scores points, intimidates hitters, and takes pressure off the back row. It's important for the outside blocker to angle her outside hand to deflect balls into play instead of out of bounds. Melrose's tandem of Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland in 2012 was the original Great Wall. We'll see whether Chloe Gentile and Sadie Jaggers can pair with either Gia or another blocker to anchor the defense. 

9. Raise your level. The time-limited format doesn't allow for much assessment of teams to respond under pressure. There's reality and myth. Statistically, pressure degrades performance, but top players have less falloff, so "steadiness under pressure" matters. 

10."Razor's edge." "It's always showtime." What do I mean? Compete. The evaluation doesn't end with tryouts or scrimmages. Analogous to tennis "ladders," players earn more opportunities in a "performance-focused, feedback-rich" environment. Whoever earns the initial chances in the lineup this week gets first crack at solidifying a role. Fifty years ago, Coach Sonny Lane reminded us it's who finishes not who starts. 

In 2002, Melrose got off to a 7-6 start, when Coach Scott Celli promoted a freshman opposite from JV into the lineup. The team finished 6-1 and won a memorable playoff game against Dracut. Her name? Paula Sen. 

Melrose Notes: Here's the first week of the season schedule. 

Today's Playday Scrimmage Lineup (9 AM)

 

Signal and Noise

What is noise? "Noise—unexpected and unwanted variance in human judgments." Facts may be signals and opinions are often noise. Blogs share opinion as much as anything else, ‘noisy’.

Subjective judgments lack reproducibility relative to algorithms or mechanical judgment. For example, if we asked who are the best players in professional baseball, we'd get a variety of answers. If we asked for the WAR (wins above replacement) of MLB players, we might not answer the question but have more information. 

If asked about players or teams, I might use examples. For instance, four year varsity player Victoria Crovo was both an exceptional player and leader at Melrose. Despite those twin skills, she wasn't fortunate to be on a sectional championship team. 

Winning blends skill, luck, and an occasional favorable call.  

Michael Mauboussin addresses this in The Success Equation and Annie Dukes expands on it in Thinking in Bets. I'd rank volleyball in a similar zone to basketball, highly skill-dependent.

In Moneyball, Michael Lewis profiled baseball's paradigm shift to more analytics-based roster construction. Coach Celli's mathematics background appears in subtle and less subtle ways. Statistics matter to the extent that they impact the score. 

• Does a harder serve win more points or create more service errors?
• Do back row attacks increase or decrease scoring chances? 
• Which are most effective - setting outside, quick sets, back sets?
• How effective is a given players 'setter dumps'? 
• Do jump serves add or decrease efficiency? 

Statistics add context and 'signal'. The best players, teams, and coaches do more of what works and less of what doesn't. Execution beats innovation. Which is why Melrose has been in good hands for more than two decades. 

NOISE. The latest preseason volleyball poll. 

SIGNAL. Players will shank balls, hit into the net, and have service errors. In fact, in the state championship game years ago, a terrific server served a ball half way up the back wall. It counted the same as a serve out by an inch. 

Scrimmage 2 in the Books

Bias creeps into evaluation in many ways and scrimmages define this.

Here are a few:

Sample size: Don't overgeneralize based on small data sets. Players and teams may overachieve or underperform on a given day. Small sample size can mislead us. 

Recency bias. "What have you done for me lately?" A player with an extensive track record can go on a hot or cold streak. They could be the next new thing or the next item on the scrap heap.

Anchoring. We falsely cling to an impression, whether accurate or not. We 'anchor' on the Belichick the Genius effect or Chaim Bloom the Ineffective GM without confirming evidence for our opinions. Circumstances change. 

Attribution bias. We have a tendency to blame outcomes on factors beyond our control such as officiating, weather or other conditions.

Confirmation bias. We selectively read or study what we believe to be true. 

On to scrimmage observations...from an observer of the ups and downs of twenty-one seasons of Melrose Volleyball. 

1. Chloe Gentile, one of Melrose's top players, was unavailable with illness. But as a team, never traffic in excuses. Melrose didn't with a 24-26, 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 win over a solid Marblehead squad. 

2. Melrose made lineup adjustments to capture more of the skillset of senior setter Gia Vlajkovic.

3. Volleyball's "Big Six" skills are serving, passing, digging, blocking, setting, and attacking. As a player and team, "figure out" how to impact results. Excel at as many as possible or dominate one, such as serving or blocking. Most seasons Melrose has a 'designated server'.  

4. Athleticism is the brand of the 2022 club. The team isn't big but is quick to the ball and has a lot of skilled players. 

5. Melrose has a lot of "young guns" competing for time outside, at opposite, and as the designated server. As coach Sean McDermott of the Bills says, young teams "earn the right to win."

6. A week into training, the communication on court was good but will improve. Make it ELO...early, loud, and often. 

7. Bill Parcells took a sheet of paper and divided it into three columns - MUST, NEED, WANT. To go deep into the post season, teams need three dynamite hitters, hitters who dominate and impact the game. In basketball, we call them "possession enders," player who end plays with scores and stops.

8. A magazine did an "interview" with Godzilla, the mythical Japanese monster, after a latest sequel. They asked him what he'd do if the movie got bad reviews. The creature answered, "I'll step on their necks." Figuratively speaking, that's what great teams do. 

9. One potential "possession ender" is Sadie Jaggers in the middle, one of Melrose's formidable blockers in the past two decades, relying on timing more than elite size. Amidst the "Big Six" skills, blocking skills are game changers.

Other seniors stepped up in Chloe's absence, playing at high levels yesterday. Gia Vlajkovic was exceptional and Emma Desmond impacted from the back row. 

10.The other players competing for roles need to believe. "Confidence comes from proven success" and they will develop confidence with more experience. Players earn roles through impact plays. They'll get a lot of opportunities Saturday. 

For those wishing to read more on bias and motivated reasoning in sport, I suggest this blog piece from Scientific American. "I’m making a simple point. When it comes to sports, data > intuition. Yet, coaches, managers, fans and commentators alike continue to go with their guts, especially when it comes to a team or player that is close to their hearts."

The Great Teammate (Reposted)

You aren’t the first player proud to make the team or wonder about her role. Star in your role while working to become more. 

Reflect on becoming a great teammate, which is your choice.

Scrimmages

This opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author. It does not represent the City of Melrose, Melrose High School, or the Melrose Athletic Department. 

“It’s always showtime.” Preparation, meetings, and practice all fashion the product.

Spanx founder Sara Blakely reminds entrepreneurs to “obsess the product.” UNC soccer coach Anson Dorrance seeks ‘continual ascension’. Scrimmages are part of the process. 

Yesterday’s action advanced the narrative with players flashing improvement amidst expected inconsistency of early season volleyball in a 2-2 tie. 

The goal is always singular, "to win the last game of the season." 

Photos courtesy of Jen Gentile (click to enlarge)

Cross Post - Become a Better Listener

Soft skills help define players. These include punctuality, commitment, discipline, energy, teamwork, and listening. 

Here's a cross-post from my basketball site. 

People notice soft skills. Wakefield teacher and coach Kayla Wyland excelled at both volleyball and basketball. Her mother also said, "she is just as pleasant and helpful at home as she is playing sports." 

It's On. Scrimmage Today, 5 PM

"It's always showtime." 

 

Opening Day Preview

Every opponent deserves respect. Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez used to say that everyone with a bat in their hand is dangerous.

Melrose opens the season against Peabody on September 7th. Peabody lists eleven seniors on their MaxPreps.com roster, looking to improve on their 16-5 2021 season and their Maxpreps Division 1 ranking at 13.

Peabody had a formidable defense last season and looks to strengthen its offensive firepower in 2022. 

Last season Melrose defeated the Tanners 25-11, 25-8, and 25-23, although the match was more competitive than the score. 

Signature Wins

Signature wins define programs. Sometimes they represent "dragon slaying" wins such as beating undefeated teams such as Arlington Catholic in 2003 or legendary Barnstable. Others show resilience with come-from-behind wins like the Wakefield road win last season and the thrilling comeback against Billerica in the Elite Eight. 

Signature wins blend 

They may be anticipated or unexpected. 

The 2022 schedule presents myriad opportunities for signature wins. The Middlesex league schedule allows numerous opportunities as do home rematches with Division 1 Newton North and Division 2 state finalist Westborough.

But the daily grind of practice forges them.  

Upcoming Preseason Activities

Sustained competitive advantage emerges in feedback-rich cultures. Scrimmaging provides feedback to players and coaches about strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing coaching. 

Melrose scrimmages Lynnfield on Tuesday and Marblehead on Thursday,  both at 5:00 P.M.

This year Melrose hosts a playday next Saturday, a series of scrimmages against area teams. It's reasonable to expect that all the clubs Melrose faces will make the Statewide Tournament this season. 

 

Cross-Post "Win the Morning to Win the Day"

Part of coaching is helping players develop winning habits on and off the court. Here are ideas to "win the morning." 

Sites to Follow Melrose Volleyball (Bookmark)

How can fans follow Melrose volleyball? Other useful sites:

Twitter - Melrose Athletics ML12 Athletics includes other ML team links 

Massachusetts High School Volleyball includes schedules, results, and rankings

Maxpreps.com Melrose team site Massachusetts state site home

Melrose Weekly News

Massachusetts Athletic Interscholastic Association shares Power Rankings in season and post-season tournament updates as applicable; Volleyball page includes a variety of tools

Melrose volleyball Instagram 

NFHSNetwork rarely has away broadcasts for subscribers

Melrose High TV live and legacy broadcasts

Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association includes recognition link to All-State Teams, Hall of Fame, State Champions

Boston Globe High school sports home

"This Is Your Team" (2022)

Congratulations to those selected to Version 1.0 of the 2022 Melrose Volleyball team. Making a highly competitive team is extremely tough. Make lifetime memories. 

Roster Notes: 

• Six seniors are on the roster. 
• Continual development of young players breeds continuing success. There is no 'rebuilding' year. 
• Family tradition is often a part of Melrose volleyball. The Gentiles are one of many pairs of siblings. Gigi Albuja's older sister Claire was a Lady Raider, too. 
• Young players aren't picked to be practice players. They compete for playing time. 

All jobs are always open. The Opening Day lineup and the playoff lineup are seldom the same. The initial roster and the final roster are never the same. 

 

"But I Don't Have Time to Read"

 

With the school year fast approaching, you say "I don't have enough time to read." Make time. 

And if you can't read The Score Takes Care of Itself, read this summary. Process defines performance. 

"The Road Is Long"

(MELROSE) Tryouts continued for a second day at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Gymnasium. But that's the secondary story after Coach Scott Celli returning Ryan Schmitt to the second chair. 

Speculation on the lineup is just that. Ten players from the 2021 team return. Captains Chloe Gentile, Gia Vlajkovic, and Sadie Jaggers provide strength up the middle. 

2022 Captains Gia, Chloe, and Sadie (photo courtesy Jen Gentile)

Coach Celli searches to replace 300-plus kills from All-State outside hitter Elena Soukos and another 150 or so from Abby Hudson and Ava Burns. Opportunities abound. 

A pitched battle for the back row positions ensues, especially at libero with Autumn Whelan graduated. 

  

Expect the full roster to be known by Wednesday afternoon. There are always a few surprises. 

 

Become More

One day in the books. Savor your tryout. Make it growth on your journey, neither the be-all nor the end-all.

This brief letter from Kurt Vonnegut deserves your view. 

And remember to bring your best self to tryouts...

No Retreat No Surrender

"Make every day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

Advice for tryouts today:

• Leave an impression. 
• Bring the best version of yourself. 
• If you have an error, refocus and make the next play. 
• Be present. 
• Listen and be coachable. 
• Always make THIS PLAY your focus. 

Borrow from The Four Agreements. 

• "Be impeccable with your word" to others and to yourself. "I can do this." 
• "Never make assumptions." The team is not selected. Force your way onto the floor with your attitude, choices, and effort. 
• "Don't take anything personally." When the coaches correct you, it's not about you, it's a correction that applies to everyone.
• "Always do your best." It won't be perfect and some days won't be as good as others. But commitment to the process and to full engagement gets the best results. 

Coaches see everything. 

Making a List

Be professional at tryouts tomorrow and every day going forward. Don't rely on a parent to bring items that you forgot. Make a list of items needed to bring to tryouts in your gym bag and pack what you can ahead of time. The heat in the gym will be oppressive.

Some common equipment:

1) Sneakers, extra shoes laces (there's a story)

2) Cold drinks, energy bar, fruit

3) Extra socks, extra tee shirt(s)

4) Medication (e.g. inhaler, contact lens solution)

5) Small cooler for lunch (if applicable)

6) Additional personal items (hair ties, whatever)

7) Tape (you'll find a use)

8) Small towel

Professionalism includes promptness, preparedness, positivity, and focus. Listen to the coaches. Years ago a young girl showed up to basketball tryouts, came up to me and said, "I am really excited to be here." Be excited, be prepared. 

Tomorrow

Volleyball tryouts start tomorrow. Coaches are like Santa, knowing who's been naughty or nice. Eating right, getting rest, being mentally prepared...

Having great habits, great process defines you. 

Raise the Bar

Compete hard on the court and in the classroom. 

A recent profile featured Barnstable and their team academic achievements. A small group of Massachusetts teams earned this honor. Aim high. 

This video is the 'most viewed' Melrose volleyball video on YouTube. Melrose faced Barnstable twice in volleyball and has come away 1-1. 

Tryouts start in 2 days. 

How Can I Be a Better Teammate?

 Cross-posted from my basketball site. 

Standards of Excellence

Melrose volleyball has always placed a premium on performance on and off the court. Former players enjoy success in a variety of different fields.

Here are a few study tips (cross-posted) from my basketball site. 

Victoria Crovo. a.k.a. The V-Rex is on her way to becoming...

 Dr. Crovo, as a second-year veterinary student. Victoria attacks the books with the same intensity that helped her become an All-State player. 

Advice from James Andrews, Preseason Rankings

Dr. James Andrews is one of the most famous Orthopedic surgeons in the world. He shares this advice:

“My wife always tells me if you are talking about what you did yesterday, you have not done much today.”

Volleyball tryouts start next Monday with fifty-eight hopefuls registered. Here are preseason rankings (that and $2.50 buys a coffee). 

The Season Approaches As Summer Shadows Lengthen

Melrose volleyball has enjoyed decades of stable leadership with strong culture and proven results. 

That doesn't guarantee everyone's happiness. In fact, highly competitive situations create a struggle for limited resources - minutes, role, and recognition. 

Coach Celli chooses the team that he believes gives Melrose the best chance to succeed, and adjusts personnel and roles accordingly. 

I wrote this article on my basketball website among 3100+ other posts. It discusses a few of the hazards of the minefield of coaching. 

Here's an excerpt:

"Have hard conversations with two adults present. When serious issues arise, usually behavioral, always address the problem with multiple adults in the room. Never allow it to become, "but he said...""

Orientation: A Few Things to Consider

New jobs often come with orientation, the "this is how we do things here" introduction. 

I participated in a Navy version, Officer Indoctrination School, now Officer Development School. It included topics like Sea Power, Correspondence, Leadership, Military Law, and Military Indoctrination...with a physical fitness and swimming component. 

The NFL has a rookie transition program including benefits, social responsibility, media interaction, rules changes, and more. 

What, if any, transition services and information might fit student-athletes in high school? It doesn't have to be voluminous, but ideally written, online, and signed off. Guidelines protect both schools and students. 

• Academic requirements and expectations
• Athletic department rules (including Chemical Health Policy)
• School/program culture 
• Fitness requirements (if any specified)
• Personal responsibility including Hazing or Harassment
• School health resources (including Mental Health)
• Social media policy 
• Coach specific values, such as the importance of mentoring/upperclass leaders

What specifics might merit inclusion? This is not a comprehensive list. 

• "Care as much about academics as you do about sports." (Dawn Staley thrived at Virginia once she made that choice.)
• Review alcohol and drug (including smoking) policies. Locally for basketball it's a four-game suspension for a violation. 
• You represent yourself and the program. 
• Here is information for some fitness options. I like the Lee Rose sets of 220s. In high school soccer, we had to complete two laps (a bit more than 600 yards) around the soccer field (at the end of practice) in under 1:50. 
• Review athletic training and mental health resources available in your school.
• "Don't let 140 characters take $140,000 scholarship from you." Respect teammates, opponents, officials, and the game. 
• Zero tolerance for hazing. Share examples of area community problems. 

We're not looking to become the behavior police but to develop responsible adults while encouraging respect, dignity, responsibility, and sportsmanship. 

Key takeaways:

• Get everyone on the same page of culture and behavior. 
• Care about academics as much as sport. 
• Know and follow the chemical health policy.
• Have a defined social media policy. Social media mistakes follow you. 
• Have an agreed upon fitness policy. 
• Embrace representing yourself, team, school, and community.

Lagniappe. Everything goes into our 'brand' including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication. That covers moral, ethical, and legal territory. For some, it will impact their NIL status. A highly compensated athlete may have earnings contingent on adhering to behavioral standards clauses. 

Lagniappe 2. John Deere is famous for its first day. 

Summer Reading List

Cross-posted from my basketball blog. 

A quarter of Americans never read a book. That shuts them out from change. The books included are exceptional and well-written. Many others belong on the list such as some from Jon Gordon like The Positive Dog and The Hard Hat, Darren Hardy's The Compound Effect, and the Heath Brothers' Made to Stick. 

When we encounter a bad book, abandon it. When we discover a great read, read it again. 

Habits

"We make our habits and our habits make us." 

What kind of person do you want to be? Elite grades demand elite study habits and "unrequired work." If you want to become an excellent athlete, you need skill, tactical excellence, physicality (strength/conditioning/endurance), and strong psychology (resilience). 

Develop better habits. Listen to this podcast featuring James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. 

Stoicism Has Power

Ask yourself these dozen questions from Stoicism. 

The MIAA basketball committee is revising policies for this season - eliminating margin of victory, extending the shot clock to 35 seconds, and scheduling quarterfinal playoff games at neutral sites. Will some of these spill over to volleyball? 

Cross Posting - The Power of Mise en Place

Learn every day. Learn across disciplines. Here's a post shared from my basketball blog. Mise en place works in sports, in school, on the job, interviewing, and more.

How does that relate to volleyball? Have you gone to practice without your sneakers, uniform parts, personal items, hydration, medical supplies (e.g. an inhaler), tape, and so on? You probably have because you didn't use mise en place thinking. 

Mise en place shares powerful analogy for life. 

Blocking Training

Blocking training 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/449126689950706

Boston Herald All-Scholastics (Published)

Elena Soukos complete the "Triple Crown" of All-State and Globe and Herald All-Scholastics. Congratulations and highly deserved...

Boston Herald All-Scholastics

Boston Globe All-Scholastics

 Elena Soukos is the latest