When Deanna Balsama first took the field at George Mason, she never thought she would transfer.

A star from the start, Balsama racked up numerous accolades, including being named the 2019 Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year and 2020 preseason All-Atlantic 10.

But after a coaching change and a difficult junior year, Balsama found herself moving across the country to play for San Diego State.

“I was terrified of transferring,” Balsama said. “It’s basically starting over at a new school with a new team with new coaching, but everyone really welcomed [me] with open arms and made the transition really easy. I felt comfortable right away.”

Balsama, already a standout, quickly embraced a similar role at San Diego State. Now she leads the country in goals per game and ranks fourth overall in total goals.

“Deanna is one of the most humble athletes, and so thankful and aware of her successes because of her teammates,” coach Kylee White said. “She’s probably one of the last people to say that she’s just good. She gives tons of credit to her teammates. Yet I think she’s earned a lot of it on her own by her ability to re-defend and be a spark all over the field.”

While the Aztecs sit at 3-4 on the season, Balsama has played a key role kickstarting the team’s offense. She’s recorded 36 goals this season — nearly a third of the team’s total of 95 — and has already surpassed her total of 27 during her last season at George Mason.

She especially starred against former No. 10 Princeton on Saturday, tallying eight goals in a 27-18 loss. Balsama had the highest output of any player in the game, which was one of the highest scoring contests in recent memory. She scored four goals in the first quarter alone.

Since arriving in San Diego, Balsama has meshed well with the attack. She said she’s enjoyed working with the unit so far, calling her teammates’ playing styles “unique” and unlike what she experienced at George Mason.

“It’s different, and it challenges me to figure out what their strengths are and how to play and help them succeed as well,” Balsama said.

White said San Diego State has usually tended to have a stronger defense and midfield unit, but Balsama’s success has led to a greater emphasis on the offense. She’s been excited by Balsama’s growth as a leader within the program, saying she’s become more comfortable speaking up and coming out of her shell.

Beyond her masterful performances on the field, Balsama has also balanced the academic side of the transfer process. It’s unusual for players to transfer ahead of their senior year, she said, and she knew she might have to make up classes. But working alongside the Aztecs’ academic advisors made the process smooth, and Balsama is on track to graduate as a fifth year in 2023 — giving her two years of lacrosse in California.

Even with the many moving pieces of the transfer process, Balsama called the experience “surprisingly really easy.” She quickly adapted to the academics, and her San Diego State teammates have brought her a newfound appreciation for the game.

“I’m surrounded by people that are pushing me every day,” Balsama said. “It helps me grow because it pushes me every day, and I push them back. I kind of fell out of love with lacrosse last year and being here, being with this team, these coaches, made me remember how fun it is to play lacrosse.”