Wolverine Spotlight: Veerle Lubbers
10/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Freshman Veerle Lubbers, a native of Arnhem, Netherlands, has had an immediate impact on the Wolverine field hockey team in her rookie season. Michigan's primary stick stopper on the penalty-corner unit, Lubbers owns one goal and ranks second on the team with nine assists -- tied for the most by a freshman in program history -- and has started every game in the midfield.
With the Wolverines prepping for their regular-season finale at Ohio State, Veerle took some time to talk about her transition to Michigan and American hockey, the team's confidence approaching the postseason and her family and friends following the season from back home.
Q. Has it been a big adjustment to the American style of field hockey?
A. In the beginning, it was difficult to get used to the tactics and the way they play here. But I actually think the adjustment went pretty fast. The team has been really helpful in explaining how they play the game. That has made it a lot easier. The biggest difference is the physical part. Here in America, they train every day. In the Netherlands, I trained two times a week. The tactics are quite a bit different too.
Q. Did you expect to have such a big role as a freshman?
A. No, I didn't expect it at all. I know it's not very common in America for freshmen to start or have a big role in corners. We had a few games to practice in preseason, and I started those, so I was excited. I actually think I got comfortable really quickly. The first two or three weeks were all about getting used to it, then I felt pretty good. It went fast. It's been awesome.
Q. How has the adjustment been outside of field hockey?
A. In the Netherlands, it's also a big step; from high school to college, it's completely different. But it's gone okay. I've needed some help with school, so I've gotten some tutors and a lot of help from our academic advisors. I think it's gone pretty well.
Q. We have a number of international players and an international coach. Has that been helpful to have around you during the transition?
A. Oh yes. Chris [Lueb] is also from the Netherlands, so she knows what I'm used to and can explain sometimes when I don't understand something. We have girls from Germany and England. Another freshman, Sam [Swenson], is an international like me, so we're in the same position and can help each other. The coaches are great. They accept if I don't understand something immediately or make a mistake because I didn't completely get it. That really helps my confidence.
Q. Do you feel like the team has confidence as we near the postseason?
A. I'm telling my friends back home that we're at least as good -- sometimes better -- as almost every team we play, even in some games we lose. We've been so close to beating some of these top teams. We have a lot of confidence. Even after losses, I have an attitude of "we'll get them next time." We just need to get back to our level.
Q. Are your family and friends back home keeping up with the season?
A. They've been able to follow on Twitter and video. They love the commentary. It's like a personal TV production for them. It's been amazing.
• Previous Spotlight: Mackenzie Ellis
