This time last year, senior Annelise Legel had already netted 11 goals and collected 25 points for the Penn State field hockey team. This season, Legel has four goals and 11 points to her name.

So how is she even more valuable this season?

Legel has traded in the statistical success for leadership on the field and a more demanding, important position. She has moved from the forward line to the midfield, where she has helped the team both offensively and defensively.

"I just felt that we needed a little more of a defensive presence in our midfield," Penn State coach Char Morett said. "She's got such a long reach, and she's so athletic that she can stop a lot.

"She's a great player when she gets the ball. She likes to go. To attack out of the midfield is even better for her. I didn't really feel like we were getting her the ball enough up on the forward line. She didn't have as many touches as we need a player like her to have."

Standing at 5-foot-11, Legel, nicknamed "Randall" from the animated film Monsters, Inc. for her height, has always had a strong presence at any position. Taking up space on the field is a huge advantage for her, according to Morett.

The transition to midfield involved learning how to think more like a defensive player rather than always having her eye on the goal. Legel went from a threat in front of the cage to a threat all over the field. The change was difficult at first, but she is getting better with every game, Morett said.

"At first it was a little tough for me to adapt because for the past three years, I've been a forward," Legel said. "At first it was hard, and I felt awkward. It was frustrating because I wasn't very good, especially on the left side, which is a tough side to play. But I worked through it just like everything else. I think I'm a lot more patient and smarter on the ball."

Besides her position switch, Legel also went from the supportive role to the leadership role. This season, Legel was named a co-captain, along with fellow senior Carey Maser, by her teammates. Since her freshman year, Legel has had consistent playing time and played a huge supporting role for the team. This year, she was expected to be a big voice on the team and she has delivered, according to Morett.

"Now she's going to be the person we're going to be relying on heavily on the field," Morett said. "We need her to play more of a take charge role, which she has. She's gotten more comfortable in her communication with the team."

After going a month without a goal, Legel turned in one of her best performances all season last weekend against Ohio State. Legel scored her third and fourth goal of the season in a 4-3 overtime loss. Although she has never been about the numbers, it was still a good feeling to get some points on the board, Legel said.

"[Her goals] were important for her, but more important for the team," Morett said. "She was just outstanding against Ohio State. She really gave us hope to stay in the game. Her confidence and concentration on her corner shots were right on."

After the Lions' 10-game winning streak was snapped at Ohio State, Legel did not feel it was her obligation as a leader to pick up the pieces. Instead, she acted as the role model for the rest of the team.

"We're a very positive team," Legel said. "We kind of move on very quickly, and they don't really rely on me for that.

"Char really emphasizes learning and moving on. That was yesterday. This is today, so what are we going to do today?"

This season has been a change of pace for Legel, but she has shown that she can adapt to the change and pave a path for this team.

"Her play has been getting better with each game," Morett said. "She has really stepped up into being a strong leader on the field. She's obviously very valuable to us."