The best teams have 'player-led' leadership. The coach doesn't have to micromanage because players understand the mission and lead each other to accomplish it.
"Silent leadership" anticipates and teaches what can happen so players respond in real-time without continuous communication.
That doesn't mean the coach isn't leading. "Leaders make leaders." Melrose has enjoyed many elite leaders through the years. Some are vocal (Victoria Crovo, Elena Soukos) and others were quieter (e.g. Hannah Brickley). The youngest player on the team, like Victoria Crovo was, can be a dominant leader.
Yelling doesn't make leaders. Remember the proverb, "an empty barrel makes the most noise."
Coaching is about relationships. Relationships flourish with communication, respect, and trust. Coaches deliver messages that players don't always want to hear.
Adapt. Coach Celli moved Alyssa DiRaffaele from the front row to the back where she became a key defender and elite server. Become a star in your role, whether a rotation player or a practice player committed to challenging your teammates.
Great leaders listen. Nelson Mandela's father always spoke last after hearing everyone's opinion. Young Nelson attended those meeting and learned that processing others' voices allowed for nuanced comments.
Understand "Commander's intent" as in Belichick's "Attack weaknesses, utilize strengths." The lionesses don't attack the fastest strongest prey. They attack the most vulnerable when possible. Commander's Intent is how the leader intends to execute the mission.
A team devoid of leadership is no team at all.
Lagniappe. Watch and study.
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