Nicole Melious isn't someone who talks much about statistics.
 
Ask her what leadership means, and her answer has nothing to do with points, 3-pointers, or minutes played.
 
"Leadership means showing up every day, putting the team first, and doing whatever it takes to help us win."
 
It's a mindset that has defined Melious' career at Siena and one that carries even greater importance entering the 2026-27 season.
 
After starting all 30 games a year ago, Melious emerged as one of the Saints' most consistent performers. She ranked second on the team with 10.7 points per game while leading Siena with 55 made 3-pointers. She also finished second on the team in assists, recorded her first collegiate double-double, and became a steady presence on both ends of the floor.
 
But for Melious, last season wasn't defined by numbers.
 
"The biggest lesson I took away was that sticking together as a team during the highs and lows is extremely important," she said. "I learned to stay confident, keep competing, and focus on getting one percent better every day instead of dwelling on my mistakes."
 
That mentality has carried into the offseason.
 
"My main focus was prioritizing staying in good shape and improving my overall game," Melious said. "I challenged myself by staying consistent with the work every day, regardless of whether I felt like showing up or not."
 
Consistency has become the foundation of her approach—not only as a player, but also as one of Siena's returning leaders.
 
"My role has elevated to more of a leader on and off the court and requires me to be the best version of myself every day," she said. "It carries a much bigger responsibility."
 
That responsibility extends beyond game nights.
 
"I'd say leadership through example," Melious said. "I try to set the standard with my work ethic outside of practice and the way I compete every day. You won't find that in the stat sheet, but I think it helps bring out the best in the people around me."
 
Melious credits two people in particular for helping shape her development.
 
Head coach Terry Primm has challenged her daily to become the best version of herself, while teammate Francesca Schiro has played an equally important role.
 
"Coach Primm holds us to a standard where we have to be our best, even on days we don't want to," Melious said. "Francesca has helped me a lot because she always holds me accountable, doesn't let me get away with little mistakes, and has instilled a lot of confidence in me as a shooting guard."
 
That confidence has allowed Melious to thrive in Siena's up-tempo style.
 
"My favorite aspect of Coach Primm's system is that he wants to play fast," she said. "As a shooter, this is exactly the kind of system you want to be a part of because I'm able to get a bunch of open shots in transition."
 
As the Saints prepare for another season, Melious believes the team's greatest strength won't be found in the box score.
 
"Fans should be excited about how much this year's team plays for each other," she said. "We have a really competitive group that's hungry to win a championship, and everyone is willing to do the little things to help the team win."
 
It's a philosophy that mirrors the way Melious approaches the game herself.
 
Even on the days motivation is hard to find, she keeps her perspective simple.
 
"My goals don't change because I'm tired or not motivated," she said. "Every workout is an opportunity to get better, and someone else is probably working while I'm thinking about taking a day off. Staying disciplined on those days is what separates good players from great ones."
 
For Melious, leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the gym.
 
It's about setting the standard—one workout, one practice and one day at a time.