It's been three years removed from the switch.

Arialle Hess competed her freshman year at Temple University, but transferred after that year to Virginia Commonwealth, and it couldn't have been better for the 2009 Parkland graduate.

"So far it's worked out perfectly," Hess said. "I'm really happy here and I really like the coaching staff. I think overall this program has changed a lot. It seems that I have fit in well to what they are trying to do. The main reason I came here was because I knew Kayla [Mueller] was here, and the coaching staff got back to me when I was looking for a different school. When I came down for my visit, I could tell this was a great school. I really liked the team."

Hess started 19 of the 20 games in her first season with the Rams, and tallied 15 points (six goals, three assists). She played in 17 games her junior season last year and was second on the team with three goals. She is helping VCU to start the 2012 season at 6-0, the best start in school history.

"I think the main reason I have contributed so much right away is my work ethic," said Hess. "I just took what I learned from Temple and that coaching staff, and brought it here. I've learned a lot from two different coaching staffs. I've just tried to find out what my role can be. I just work hard at our team's common goal, reaching the A10 tournament."

As a senior at Parkland, Hess led the team in goals and assists, and earned Lehigh Valley Conference second team honors. Her early success in high school helped pave the path to a Division I-caliber performance.

"I think because I was so successful in high school, it definitely helped transitioning to college," said Hess. "My teammates and coaching staff helped me become the forward that I am today. That also helped me play to the caliber of my club teammates, and those are girls that play at such a high level of field hockey."

With the early 6-0 start, the VCU Rams field hockey team is pitching its case at an A10 tournament berth, which according to Hess, is the goal for their season.