It's ironic that the leader of the No. 18 Michigan women soccer team is one of the quietest members of the team. Senior forward Abby Crumpton, a returning first team All-Big Ten selection, was elected by her teammates this year as one of the team's tri-captains, along with fellow seniors Andrea Kayal and Carly Williamson.

Crumpton has always been a powerful offensive presence in the Big Ten and one of the team's statistical leaders. But having to be one of the shoulders leading a team is a new task.

"Being a senior, a leadership role was expected, so I saw it coming, but it's not really a natural role for me. I'm usually pretty quiet, and I try to lead by example," Crumpton said.

Crumpton, from Rochester Adams High School, was the team's leading goal scorer last year, putting in 13 shots in 20 games while adding 4 assists.

Now in to her final season, Crumpton, with 32 career goals, could also become Michigan's all-time leading goal scorer - trailing just Kacy Beitel (44 goals) and Amber Berendowsky (41).

"Abby is extremely important as a leader and as a player," Michigan coach Debbie Rademacher said.

"She's one of the top players in the Big Ten and in the country. She has great speed and creates lots of dangerous situations."

This past July, Crumpton helped the United States under-21 team defend its third straight Nordic Cup title in Finland. Competition included teams from Finland, Sweden, Greece and Germany.

"She has definitely matured and grown over her years here," Rademacher said.

Last season, the Wolverines finished with an overall record of 13-8-1 (8-2-0 Big Ten). Michigan was once again unable to capture the elusive Big Ten regular-season crown in 2001, finishing one game behind conference powerhouse Penn State.

In the semi-finals of the Big Ten tournament, Michigan lost a tough overtime game to Illinois. Michigan was then ousted in the second round of last year's NCAA tournament by Dartmouth.

"This year my team goals are to win the Big Ten, of course, and to advance past the third round of the NCAA tournament," Crumpton said.

"I'll do whatever I need to do to help the team, and just play the best I can."