Marianne Beshara is all about determination. Other than her exceptional speed, Beshara, Ohio's standout forward wasn't given many natural born field hockey skills. She earned them.

And last year her determination paid off.

Last season marked Beshara's most productive season. She was selected second team All-Mid-American Conference, Academic All-MAC and her 12 goals scored were the most in a single season for Ohio since 1983.

However, things didn't always come that easily for Beshara. During her freshman season at Ohio, she found herself in a limited role with the team.

"Marianne played very little as a freshman," Ohio coach Mary Milne said. "But she was very eager to learn."

Beshara learned that if she wanted to compete at the collegiate level, she would have to make some adjustments.

"It was a big change," Beshara said. "You go from a moderate high school (Lancaster) program to an intense Division One program and you see the difference in competitiveness, skill level and conditioning throughout the full year and not just during the season."

But Beshara has always been competitive by nature.

"Once I realize there's something I could achieve, I try to get after it," Beshara said.

That attitude propelled Beshara off the bench and onto the playing field. By the end of her sophomore season, she had become a major contributor to the team. Her hard work and desire to succeed earned her the team's Most Improved Player Award.

Beshara would continue to improve and enjoyed the breakthrough season last year.

"Last year was just unbelievable," Beshara said. "The whole team was really in sync and a lot of things just clicked for me. People were feeding me the ball in the right places."

Last summer, Beshara took her game to Boston University to participate in a national field hockey developmental camp. After playing there, she was one of only 20 to 30 athletes to be selected to compete in the more exclusive "B-Camp."

"At B-Camp, we worked on learning situations and advanced skills," Beshara said. "It was definitely the most intense field hockey I've ever participated in."

This year, Beshara is using her skills to lead the Bobcats both on and off the field. As a senior co-captain of the team, she tries to be a positive role model.

"I think leadership is setting a good example at practice, hard work, drive, and wanting more," Beshara said. "But when you're not playing, it's in the classroom getting a good G.P.A. or listening to (a teammate's) problems. It's about having the right attitude."

This weekend, Beshara will try to lead the Bobcats past William and Mary on Friday and Virginia Commonwealth on Saturday.