Marissa Stack has been the best defender in the MMA this season. Jeff Barnes/Metro Source

The only time a defender gets noticed during a soccer game is if he or she makes a mistake that leads to a goal for the other team.

So, the fact that you haven't heard much about Mount Mercy senior defenseman Marissa Stack is actually a good thing.

Stack in the true leader for a Mount Mercy Academy team that prides itself on great defensive play and shutting down the other team's best player.

"Even if we don't win the game, it's still kind of like a moral victory," stated Stack on shutting down the other team's best player.

Her play on the field this year has been nothing but brilliant as she has had to go up against some of the best players from other teams like Nardin, Sacred Heart and Nichols.

What makes her performance even more impressive is she's been doing it with a different set of teammates almost every game, because of the rash of injuries that have stuck the team.

Don't look for the steady Stack to complain, however. She goes with the flow and thrives on being a senior, and the unquestioned leader of this young team.

"I have really tried to develop in being a leader my senior year," Stack said after a recent practice. "I have been trying to get the entire team to work together, especially with all the young people we have on the team."

The fact this team is so young even makes the leadership qualities of Stack even more impressive. After losing three-straight Monsignor Martin Athletic Association soccer matches, it was easy for the Magic to get down on them selves.

But, Stack, who is one of the captains this year, wouldn't let that happen.

"The most important thing is just trying to keep everyone positive," said Stack. "Especially in practice, just trying to keep everyone focused on the goal of winning and trying to get as far as we can. And get to the championship."

One of the best players on the team this year, Stack owes her steady improvement to coach John Glose. Glose, who played soccer at Bishop Timon and Brockport, has most of these girls during the summer on his travel team for South Buffalo.

And the fact they can work with each other for a couple of months before the high school season started has really paid off for a player like Stack.

"John has pushed me in practice and in games (to be the best)," said Stack. "

She also says playing basketball helps her with the defensive part of her game on the field.

"I play both very defensively," she said. "I always trying to be the first too the ball and out hustling the other (person) and giving all your effort. Just trying to always think one step ahead of them."

And if it's a big game the next day don't expect Stack to sit home and worry about it. The cool customer just treats the day before a game like any other normal senior in high school.

"Well, I have a lot of school work to keep me busy," Stack said with a laugh. "All of us just hang out with each other. So, it just not all about soccer."

Marissa Stack still says playing soccer in college is a possibility as she looks at schools in Rochester and Buffalo.

Whatever she chooses to do, you know Marissa Stack will be the one leading the way.