Leaders perform well when everyone’s looking to them and the season is on the line.

But, leaders are at their best when there’s no attention to be gained. They lead by example and show others how the game should be played-with heart and desire.

These are the kinds of leaders that Lori Richardson, Kathleen Schager and Kelly Young have been for the women’s soccer team during their four-year career.

“All three have helped build the program to a consistently high level,” said head coach Tim Champion. “They got us to a point where we’re looking at an NCAA bid.

Their main contribution is that we are now one of the top three teams in the conference. We go into every conference game expecting to win.”

“Lori (Richardson) was one of our first recruits out of St. Louis,” Champion said. “She came in highly recruited. By coming here, she brought stability to our recruiting in St. Louis. She’s been solid for four years and has really contributed.”

“Kathleen (Schager) has held the central midfield for four years as a four-year starter,” Champion said. “She has developed from a hard-working defensive midfielder to an attacking midfielder who scores goals. She’s been All-Conference the last two years.”

Champion added, “She was one of our first out-of-town recruits to come in and have an impact. She possesses tremendous leadership.”

“Kelly (Young) has had a tremendous impact,” Champion said. “She has established herself as the top defender in the conference and the midwest. She gives us tremendous speed at the back. She also has the ability to move the ball and attack out of the back. She made us one of the best defensive teams in the country.”

Champion has valued the leadership the three seniors have displayed in leading the young Billikens team.

“The last two years they have developed great leadership qualities,” Champion said. “They’ve added maturity this year. That has helped us get through tough games. They’ve brought us a long way, from winning conference last year to being undefeated now.”

But this group has brought more than just leadership. They brought an enjoyment of the game.

“They really enjoy playing together. They push people to work harder. This year has been the most fun I’ve had as a coach,” Champion said.

The seniors knew entering SLU that there would be success in their future.

“They had won a lot of games the year before,” said Young. “We felt we could do well.”

“They had good players here, especially from St. Louis,” said Richardson. “The first year went well, and we expected to get better.”

“We gradually got better,” said Schager. “The NCAA Tournament was always our goal. We feel that it’s possible this year.”

The seniors knew that this year could be even better than the record-breaking year SLU had last year.

“The freshmen last year were good. We lost good people, but got others to replace them and fill in their spots,” Young said.

“We proved something to ourselves last year. We had a good season. We expect to do better in the conference tournament,” Richardson said.

“We had the players and personalities that came back that allowed us to be on the same page this year,” Schager said.

The seniors have had quite an impact on the underclassmen who have learned from them.

“They’re silent leaders,” sophomore back Megan McNiff said. “We don’t want to let them down on or off the field. They take charge in so many ways. They took everyone in. The main thing with them is that we’re a team.”

Sophomore goalie Meghann Burke said about Young, “The best way to describe her is, of all the sweepers and all the players I’ve played with, Kelly Young is the best sweeper in the country. She doesn’t let people beat her.

“I have a lot of respect for her as a player. I respect the fact that she came to the program as a walk-on.”

Freshman back Carrie Carlson said, “I’m very comfortable with Kelly (Young) back there. She’s very solid and consistent. Her work rate makes others work harder. She’s a great strength to have in the backfield as a player and as a teammate.”

“Lori Richardson is someone I have a lot of respect for,” Burke said.

“I admire the way she came in and the role she played. She’s been completely humble. She works hard and is an unsung hero.”

“Kathleen Schager is one if the most incredible people I know,” Burke said.

“I have so much respect for the job she does. She’s a quiet leader, but she speaks volumes by saying nothing. I value her leadership. I admire her personality and strength. She’s the kind of person that underclassmen should look up to.”

“Schager is wonderful,” said sophomore forward Jenny Kehl.

“She’s optimistic on and off the field. She helps others believe we can reach our goals. She’s a great presence and holds the ball well.”

This group of seniors has the rare opportunity to try to win the C-USA Tournament at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

“It’s great to have conference here,” Richardson said.

“We proved we’re good enough to host the tournament. It helps that we don’t have to travel and can play in front of our home crowd.”

“As a senior, it’s good to know we still have three home games left,” Schager said. “It would be fun to take the championship on our home field.”

Burke summed up the essence of this senior class.

“The impact they’ve made as people goes much further than what they’ve done on the field.”