Senior midfielder Katie Schneider put together the best season of her career in 2013, starting all 23 games for the Bulldogs including the postseason, and was voted Midfielder of the Year and Most Improved Player by her teammates a season ago. Injuries hampered her consecutive starting streak earlier this season, but the Brookings, South Dakota native has still appeared in 15 games for UMD including 11 starts. She collected an assist as UMD went to overtime against Southwest Minnesota State University on Oct. 5 before the Mustangs edged UMD.

She and the Bulldogs will look to continue a three-game unbeaten streak as they head into the postseason on Wednesday afternoon against Augustana (S.D.) College. Opening kick is set for 2:00 p.m.

KATIE'S FAVORITE…
Opponent: Augustana
Opponent arena/field: Warrior Stadium (Winona State)
Road trip: Minnesota State Mankato
Professional athlete: Mia Hamm
Professional team: U.S. Women's National Team
Pastime: spending time with family and friends
College course: Biochemistry I & II
Prized possession: my dog, Nikki
Television show: New Girl
Book (Author): The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Singer or group: Coldplay
Actor: Ryan Reynolds
Actress: Blake Lively
Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
Food: grilled chicken and vegetables
Restaurant: anywhere with fresh creative foods
Vacation Spot: Germany
Game or Video Game: "Shoot" (card game)
Website: Instagram
 
IN YOUR SPORT…
Why you chose UMD: "UMD was a great fit for me both academically and athletically. Plus, I fell in love with the city of Duluth during my first visit."
When you first played: "Age 3. I enjoyed chasing butterflies around the soccer field."
Your biggest strength: "winning balls in the air and switching the field"
Your biggest weakness: "passing instead of shooting the ball"
Game day ritual: "braiding teammates' hair"
Your most memorable moment playing at UMD: "making it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament (2013)"
Best opposing player you've had to face at UMD: Marti Corby (Grand Valley State)
The best thing about playing collegiate sports: "The team becomes like a family, and I can easily say I have 20+ best friends."
 
PERSONALLY SPEAKING…
Pet peeve: "negative people"
Biggest fear: "the fear of the unknown"
Your first job (& age): dishwasher at a country club (age 14)
Person you'd most like to meet: Cristiano Ronaldo
What most people don't know about you: "I have the biggest sweet tooth."
Something you never leave home without: cellphone
If you could change one thing about yourself: "not worry about the little things"
Sport you'd like to try but never have: hockey
Influences on your athletic career: my family
Advice to an aspiring young athlete: "Work hard, have fun and enjoy the sport you love. Sometimes, it can just be as simple as that."
What you'll miss most about UMD come next year: "The unforgettable memories and friendships. It's too difficult to articulate into words how much I'll miss my teammates next year."
Your post-UMD plans: "apply to optometry school"