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119 S ophomore Angela Schmiederer is listed as a catcher on the University of Iowa soball roster, but that's not the only place fans at Bob Pearl Field will see her this spring. rough the first 27 games of 2016, Schmiederer has started 18 contests at three positions: eight behind the plate, seven in the outfield, and three as Iowa's designated player. "I've had a lot of fun playing different positions," said Schmiederer. "It teaches me that I need to be present and focused in every situation that I'm in. It has been a learning experience, and I've grown a lot. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to play all three." e Prospect Heights, Illinois, native worked her way into the lineup with the bat aer a successful pinch-hitting appearance against UIC on Feb. 19. Since then, five of her 10 hits have been for extra bases, including a game-winning grand slam against Lamar on March 6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although she hasn't played in the outfield since her 8-and-under days, Schmiederer has worked diligently to re-learn the position in order to give the Hawkeyes more flexibility with the offensive lineup. "I've never really played competitively in the outfield, but I love it out there," said Schmiederer. "e game of soball is just throwing and catching. I know I can catch a ball and I know that the first step is crucial, so that's kind of been my mentality. I've just been trying to keep it simple out there." Her willingness to adapt and positive attitude has not gone unnoticed by UI head coach Marla Looper. "Angela has bought into the process," said Looper. "She's done the things we've asked her to do. She's been a team player since she stepped on campus. She's worked hard to make herself better so she can help make her team better." With more than a handful of outfield starts under her belt, Schmiederer is becoming increasingly confident in her new position and she is quick to credit teammates for their help throughout the process. "My teammates have been great," said Schmiederer. "ey've welcomed me into their outfield group. Anything that I have trouble with, I know I can turn to my le or right and ask a question. ey give honest feedback, and I appreciate that." Whether she is behind the plate, in the outfield, or used as the designated player, Schmiederer's team- first mentality is apparent. "I'll do anything I can to help my team," Schmiederer said. "If it helps us win, then I'm all for it. I take it one day and one practice at a time. Wherever I end up each day, I give it my all." Iowa is set to play 21 games in April. irteen of those games will be held at Bob Pearl Field. APRIL SCHEDULE April 1-3 Purdue April 4 at Nebraska (Lincoln, Neb.) April 8-10 at Northwestern (Evanston, Ill.) April 12 Northern Iowa April 13 Drake April 15-17 Wisconsin April 19 Missouri (DH) April 20 at Iowa State (Ames, Iowa) April 22-24 Penn State April 29-May 1 at Illinois (Champaign, Ill.)