Marsha Ariesen

Level

Marsha currently plays for HC Tilburg U18-1 in the National League (Landelijk), the highest level of Dutch youth hockey and has also played and practiced with the Tilburg Women 1 team (Hoofdklasse, the highest Dutch field hockey league). She has played at the highest youth levels for most of her career. Marsha started playing field hockey at a smaller club where she always played in the best team of her age group and was frequently moved up to the age group above her. At the age 15, she was selected for the senior (18+) team of her smaller club so she would be challenged enough by the older players around her, but she decided she wanted to play with girls of her own age. She was then scouted by HC Tilburg which allowed her to develop even further. 

Playing style

Marsha is a calm player who has experience in almost every position on the field. In her own U18-1 team, Marsha mostly plays midfielder/forward. For the Women 1 (Hoofdklasse) team, she has mostly played as a side back. Marsha plays with her eyes up and has a great basic skill set, allowing her to play with poise and change the pace of the game through quick ball handling and passing. She makes smart decisions on the ball, and knows when to take on an opponent in a 1v1 or when to play combinations with her teammates. Off ball, Marsha has great awareness and the ability to position herself and her teammates in the right positions to easily intercept the ball. Marsha has a very accurate and powerful drag flick.

High performance

Marsha was part of the Southern District team when she was 13 years old, allowing her to practice and play with the best players from her region. She has also been invited to try out for the Dutch U18 team as a U16 player. 

Academics

Marsha is in her final year of Dutch high school (HAVO) and expected to graduate in June 2024.

Additional information

Marsha knows the importance of working hard to be the best she can be and has always participated in additional practices besides her own club teams’ practices. She currently receives drag flick training from Maartje Paumen.

Marsha is looking forward to joining an ambitious college field hockey program in the Fall of 2024. If you are interested in learning more about Marsha, please contact Marle marle@slamstox.com.