"She's very verbal, she puts her opinion out there to lead the team," said co-captain Laura Greene. "She leads by example and steps up to make a good play when we need it."
In UNC's upset win over No. 10 Wisconsin Saturday night, Underwood voiced her opinion on a questionable call, and the official awarded UNC a crucial point.
UNC coach Joe Sagula said Underwood exhibits all the qualities a strong leader should have.
"She brings a lot of determination ... and a lot of the mentality that coaches want in their players," he said. "And if you let her do her thing, hopefully it'll be a good influence on others."
Sagula added that Underwood possesses leadership that can't be taught. He mentioned a moment from last season's ACC tournament match against Clemson in which Underwood rallied the team.
"She willed the team," Sagula said. "She said, 'We will not lose this game.' And I think that somebody has to step up and do that from time to time."
Underwood earned MVP honors of the ACC tournament, and she was also voted team MVP last season.
Underwood said she was surprised, but proud that her teammates honored her for her contributions.
"When coach announced it at our banquet I was shocked," she said. "There are people on our team who get bigger kills and bigger blocks, but I feel I do the little things, and they just recognized that."