It might be the most trite cliche in all of sports and yet, at the same time, somehow, a very intriguing phrase.

What does “leading by example” mean, anyway?

When the athlete is Kanani Danielson — a two-time first-team All-American and conference player of the year — maybe consistently superior performance is enough.

Danielson is such a skilled and polished volleyball player (she has been since her first University of Hawaii practice three years ago) that coach Dave Shoji would be content if it began and ended with that. Night after night of double figures in kills and digs for the star outside hitter. Good enough.

“I’m OK with her leading by being the best player she can be,” said Shoji, before Thursday’s practice, as UH prepped for its season-opening match against San Francisco tonight. “But she wants to do it.”

What exactly, though, is “it”?

“Most of the time it’s by actions,” Danielson said. “I’m supposed to be more of a vocal leader. I wouldn’t say it goes out of my element.”

DON’T EXPECT her to get in anyone’s face, though. It’s hard to imagine any of this year’s players doing so — and maybe that’s why Danielson sees a more audible presence as part of her responsibility now. But on her terms … friendly terms.

“I believe in the team. I don’t think I have to be on anyone’s back. I’m there to be a positive light,” she said.

Junior middle hitter Brittany Hewitt said Danielson has gradually evolved as a leader.

“Definitely, she had girls older than her before. Now she’s a senior and there’s more a sense of entitlement,” Hewitt said. “For me, she leads by example. She’s an all-around player, and she gets the job done. When she’s on the court it gives us a sense of confidence. She’s (become) vocal, and people respect her.”

A WORKER at the arena asks her about the music the players want. Shoji consults with her about the pregame warm-up routine.

Kills and digs would be enough. But these are examples of many little behind-the-scenes details that Danielson is willing to take on, now that she’s a senior.

“I don’t think it’s a natural thing for her,” Shoji said. “I think she has put a lot of thought into it and wants to do that.

“She’s been here the longest and she’s an All-American. She’s our best all-around player. I think she understands she has to take the lead.”

As for on the court, what does she think it will take for the 10th-ranked Wahine to get to the final four, like they did in 2009?

“For sure, win the serve and pass,” she said. “Make sure long rallies end with the ball on the opponents’ side, not ours. Make sure it’s our point when it gets to the bitter end.”

You know she’ll do her part on the court and she’ll fill up that stat sheet, and she’ll come up with the big plays when they’re most needed.

Go see her play. She’s special. And her career is speeding by quicker than a three-set blowout of a lower-tier WAC team.

“Sometimes it seems short, like a high school deal,” Danielson said. “One chapter of your life. I’m learning to accept it and enjoy every moment of it.”