Veerle Goudswaard is no quitter.

Just two years ago this fall the senior forward and Netherlands native was competing in field hockey, but not for MSU. Goudswaard, or "V" as fans and players alike have nicknamed her, was playing for James Madison University in Virginia.

She had been playing the game since age 6, and was ready to quit.

"I wasn't happy playing field hockey at JMU," she said. "I thought about quitting field hockey and just go to school and stop playing." Goudswaard said.

Fortunately for Goudswaard, her best friend from home - Annebet Beerman - is on the Spartans squad and was a deciding factor in her decision to transfer to MSU.

"Back home, I played right forward and she played right mid so we play right behind each other, so playing together again is fun."

Goudswaard added that the rest of the team and coaches also helped her in the transition, and said that the team was a like a big family.

That atmosphere might have helped her adapt to MSU and the different style of play.

Goudswaard said she originally had trouble adjusting from the different style of field hockey in the Netherlands.

"It is more physical here, but at home it is almost more skilled, with more finesse and quicker passes," she said. "It is really tough to get used to."

Now with three years of U.S. collegiate field hockey under her belt, the opposing goalies are the ones that are having the tough time adjusting.

Last season, Goudswaard led the Spartans in goals (18), and assists (10) while also recording five game winners in 22 games.

But last season's statistics are merely the beginning for Goudswaard, who has already recorded 14 goals this season in only nine contests.

Two of her best offensive games this season came in Virginia, against the Cavaliers where she tallied the first four goal game of her career, and against the defending NCAA Champions Wake Forest when she scored two second-half goals to take the match to overtime.

Goudswaard's offensive play not only led the team to their best record in school history (tied with the 1975 team) and their first ever No. 1 ranking, it has also earned her many off the field honors.

Goudswaard earned womensfieldhockey.com Honor Roll honors and also received Spartan athlete of the week honors for the week of Sept. 13.

"It's nice, but the honors don't mean anything to me," Goudswaard said. "The important thing is that we win games, not that I scored a goal."

Goudswaard and the field hockey team are on the road this weekend with contests Friday against Ohio and on Sunday against Northwestern.