Candelaria Herrera’s short time at Iowa State has been defined by her many different transitions.

The first of these for the sophomore from San Juan, Argentina, came when she arrived on campus late this summer. Herrera, a transfer from the Florida A&M Rattlers who won Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2017, came to Ames later than most players and wasn’t around for spring practices, meaning she had quite a bit of catching up to do when she arrived.

On top of transitioning to a new team, new system and new teammates, Herrera also had to transition into a completely different environment than what she’s known her whole life. Going from Argentina, to Florida, to Ames is about as drastic a shift in culture and climate that one can get, and Herrera has been adjusting to it on the fly.

Then, there’s the transition she’s had to make on the court. Herrera came to Iowa State having played middle blocker in 2017 for the Rattlers, but she moved to the outside hitter spot upon arrival. With injuries to middle blockers Avery Rhodes and Meegan Hart, however, coach Christy Johnson-Lynch sent Herrera back to the middle once again.

All of these different adjustments may seem like a lot to handle at once, but Herrera hasn’t backed down or buckled. In fact, she’s thriving in her first year in Ames.

“I am where I want to be,” Herrera said. “I’m really grateful for Christy bringing me here because I had a good experience in Florida, but I was not achieving what I’m achieving here.”

Prior to her move to middle blocker, Herrera was generally a rotational player at the outside hitter spot, her original position to start the season. Coaches praised her improvements then, but Herrera has only continued to get better since her first start at middle blocker against Iowa.

In her second start, Herrera set a career high for blocks against Syracuse with nine, and then followed that up with a 16-kill performance against Baylor only two games later.

Some of those improvements are coming as Herrera gets more acquainted with her position and with the team, but Johnson-Lynch notes Herrera’s work ethic has been the primary factor in her rapid ascension.

Combined with her size and natural talent, Johnson-Lynch says the Cyclones may have a star on their hands, regardless of what position she plays.

“I’m really excited about her,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I know she’s a great player, and we all just felt like it was a matter of time. She’s going to be a legit, real player and she’s on her way.”

It’s not only the coaching staff noticing the improvements either, Herrera’s teammates are also noticing the strides made by the Cyclones’ newest member.

Coming into the season, Herrera credited her teammates for immediately making her feel welcome, and Herrera has paid that inclusion back by giving maximum effort for the team. This not only includes going all out during games, but taking the time to improve herself at the technical aspects of the position during practice as well.

Senior Grace Lazard, the only other non-injured middle blocker on the team, noted Herrera has specifically improved at reading and anticipating the location of the ball when it’s in play.

Lazard said with only two healthy players at the position, Herrera has done her part to make sure that the team continues to get good production from the middle blocker spot, even without the luxury of having depth.

“She’s working hard for me and I’m working hard for her, too,” Lazard said. “She has definitely stepped up and just been eager to understand everything better and try and get ahead and get reps. It’s great to have a teammate who’s grinding.”

Herrera said she’s only going to continue grinding and working harder. She may not be in the position that she initially anticipated, but Herrera says that it doesn’t matter.

She’s happy to be on the floor and contributing at a school where she can reach her full potential.

“I’m really happy to be part of the main team now,” Herrera said. “I just want to play and, of course, do my best for the team. Right now, I’m feeling that I can do that.”