Ten minutes into the first practice of her Cyclone career, Kate Kirwan tore the anterior cruciate ligament of her left knee. She ended her season, took a medical redshirt year and started the rehabilitation process.

But coming back this season and working hard — and making a position switch, from midfielder to forward — has paid off as Kirwan has established herself as the Cyclones’ top offensive threat.

The redshirt freshman has six goals and three assists for the season. She had two goals, including the game-winner, in Sunday’s win over No. 21 Oklahoma State, and earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors during the week of Sept. 22. She found out about the honor from teammate Deb Benakis.

“Deb’s father told her and then she told me in practice,” Kirwan said. “I was shocked.”

She also has the highest number of shots on goal at 36.

Head coach Rebecca Hornbacher said Kirwan has all the important characteristics to be a strong up-front player.

“Kate Kirwan is a fantastic player on our team. She is a great kid,” Hornbacher said. “She is committed to the team. She’s positive and really has a presence on the field.

“She always plays hard, battles physically, and [is] in the air. She has a touch on the ball that is just unbelievable to watch.”

Kirwan said the transition to playing forward takes a different mindset.

“You’re not quite in the middle of everything,” Kirwan said. “You are more on the top. It’s working out.”

Hornbacher said the transition of Kirwan from midfielder to forward has created opportunities for the team.

“She has the ability to hold on to the ball and draw defenders. That opens up things for her teammates,” Hornbacher said. “She strikes the ball very accurately, and she has been able to create a lot of opportunities and she’s been scoring.

“It’s been a good switch for us, and I think she has embraced the opportunity. We’re looking forward to great things in the years to come.”

Baumann, who had seven goals last year and has two this season, said Kirwan’s presence has increased her ability to lead the ISU offense.

“It helped me out,” Baumann said. “Last year, I was either double- or triple-teamed and now it’s evened out. We’ve got a better shot at attacking and scoring on both sides.”