Dutch twin powers activate field hockey team

Off to its best start in fice years, the VCU field hockey team beat No. 17 Iowa with Dutch twins Marle and Flore van Dessel orchestrating the midfield.

Both juniors have been an integral part of the team’s success and have been instrumental to the group’s chemistry.

“They have been the driving force of our success,” coach Kelly McQuade said. “They came into this season in fantastic shape. They are natural leaders.”

Hailing from Oisterwijk, Holland, the twins said VCU was an overwhelming experience at first.

“It was pretty scary in the beginning,” Marle said.

Flore said, “Everybody knew each other and were able to talk to each other.”

“I think I didn’t speak for about a month.”

The twins were not originally scholarship athletes, and planned to return to the Netherlands after playing for one year.

“Our first intention was to stay here for one year, because a lot of Dutch girls do that. They go and have an international experience,” Flore said. “We loved it so much, and our coaches are so amazing.”

The girls sing high praises for their coaching staff, and the admiration is mutual.

“I would have loved to play with them when I was playing,” coach McQuade said. “They are such genuine people. They are true team players.”

Team captain and the girls’ roommate, Rachel Krumm, has similar sentiments.

“The passion Marle plays with on the field she carries with her off the field,” Krumm said. “Flore is patient and plays with her heart each minute of every game.”

After having successful freshmen campaigns, the twins flourished their second year. Marle increased her point total from 5 to 29, and was named to the 2008 Second Team All-Colonial Athletic Association.

Flore, a more defensive-minded player led the team in assists, and doubled her point total from 5 to 10.

Marle, a public relations major, and Flore, a psychology major, said they hope to continue field hockey after they leave VCU and play professionally in Holland. The pair said they hope some of their VCU teammates follow.

“They’re so good. We’re trying to make people come to the Netherlands to play there,” Marle said.

Next season, their youngest sister Rymme will be joining the team as well.