Some players are better leading with the volume of their voice.

Others, they lead by example.

For Coeur d’Alene High senior Josee Bassett — a four-year starter in the varsity program — she lets her play speak for itself.

Which is probably the best bet, because as she’ll admit, she won’t say much else.

A captain as the starting centerback, Bassett admits she’s a shy person on and off the field.

“My teammates are intimidating,” Bassett said. “I’m supposed to be a captain on the team and voice my opinion, but they really intimidate me. They pressure me each and every day and I’m supposed to be a captain and lead the team. I’m not very good under pressure in that way.”

You can credit — believe it or not — a coach from Lake City High for helping bring her out of her shyness.

“I’ve really improved my communication on the field,” Bassett said. “I’ve been super shy my entire life, but (Lake City boys soccer coach and Sting coach) Chad (Beadell) especially, really broke me out of my shell. Being a center/defender, you’ve really got to communicate with your team, and he really helped me a lot.”

In coach Andy Vredenburg’s first season, Coeur d’Alene went 2-12-1, but turned things around to finish 11-7-1 and finish fourth at the state 5A tournament in 2014. It was the Vikings’ first trip to state since 2009.

“It’s been crazy and quite the experience,” Bassett said. “As a freshman, I was a tiny little player and was scared to play in the jamboree at the start of the season. I just remember getting laid out and playing against these 18-year olds that were coming in at me at 14 years old. I’ve grown a lot since then, so it’s been a fun experience.”

“Josee’s always been a really athletic girl,” Vredenburg said. “These last two or three years, her knowledge of the game and just her deep passion for it has grown each year. It’s really rare to see a player give everything each time she steps on the field. On the practice field, in games, she gives everything she’s got and has really grown as a player over the past two years.”

Since Vredenburg took over as coach, Coeur d’Alene is 15-20-2. The Vikings are 2-1 this year after 3-1 loss to Lake City on Saturday at home.

“We got fourth (at state) last year, which was good for us,” Bassett said. “But we’re hopefully going for first this year. Physically, mentally, we’re more focused this year, and it’s good to see. We’re going to be a real solid team this year. Our mentality is great and it’s going to be our strongest year yet. There’s definitely a different attitude with this team. Our girls program hadn’t been to state in years and last year, we kind of broke that losing streak and it was definitely a confidence booster for us.”

Vredenburg is also credited with boosting the confidence of Bassett, as well as her teammates on the field.

“It’s very high intensity, especially since switching coaches,” Bassett said. “Which is different for me because I’ve had two coaches in high school, and the same coaches all nine years in the Sting program. I’m not used to that, but it’s been good for us.”

Bassett has been coached in the Sting program by Jason Roop, Chris Croghan, Beadell and Dan Hogan, who is the head women’s soccer coach at North Idaho College.

Bassett intends on playing college soccer, but is still deciding on a school.

“I’m playing soccer regardless of where I go,” Bassett said. “I’m still trying to figure out which college I want to go to, and doing my pre-requisites and get into a nursing program. My cousin is a registered nurse and he says he loves it. It’s a really interesting job and he works in the ER, so he’s never bored. I really like helping people and it’s a rewarding job, no matter what you do.”

When she’s not on the soccer field — which isn’t that often — she remains busy volunteering.

“Sometimes I’ll volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club,” Bassett said. “Sometimes I babysit. I used to play soccer, softball and basketball, but knew a few years ago that soccer was for me.”

“I think that maybe this year, she’s really grown into that team leader role,” Vredenburg said. “She might not be as vocal as the other team captains, but she really leads by example and I really think that speaks louder than words. She’s not much of a yeller, but she is always giving 150 percent, and that carries over to the other girls and the example she sets.”

“It’s been really fun overall,” Bassett said. “I’ve never had a moment where I’ve said that I’m totally burnt out on soccer. Usually kids know if they want to play college soccer, which level they want to play at, and I’ve been around people that have pushed me to do my best. It’s very rewarding to see everything kind of pay off. It’s awesome.”

And she’s always willing to learn more.

“She’s definitely a student of the game,” Vredenburg said. “She’s always asking questions and wanting to know how she can improve. She’s always really kind and considerate. I’ve never seen her treat anyone poorly. She always treats others with respect and is a great person.”