The third-highest finish at the NCAA Division III Championships and continued academic excellence were hallmarks of a productive 2012 season for the Hope women's cross country team.

The Flying Dutch placed 10th at nationals in a 32-team field with a score of 334 points. It was the top effort by a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) school at the meet.

Junior Sheri McCormack of Holland (West Ottawa HS) led the Hope in 37th place among the 263 runners with a 6K time of 22 minutes, 3.4 seconds. Other Hope scorers were senior Sharon Hecker of Grandville (Grandville HS), in77th (22:36.7), junior Meredith Busman of Coopersville (Coopersville HS) in 81st (22:37.6) and junior Camille Borst of Allendale (Allendale HS) in 122nd (22:56.2). 

The Flying Dutch qualified for nationals by winning the Great Lakes Regional for fourth time in school history. Coach Mark Northuis' Flying Dutch bested a 33-team field, including six-time defending regional champion Calvin College, for their 10th appearance at the national championships. Northuis was named Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year.

The Flying Dutch edged Oberlin (Ohio) for the regional title, 91 to 95. McCormack topped Hopewith a third place in the 234-runner field of 21:46.

Six Hope runners claimed All-MIAA honors in 2012, including first teamers — Borst and Hecker. The Flying Dutch also had four second-team selections — Busman, McCormack, senior Taylor Mattarella of Traverse City (Traverse City Central HS) and freshman Julia Stock of Spring Lake (Grand Haven HS). Hope finished runner-up at MIAA Championships.

Hope also earned the MIAA Team GPA Award for the 15th time with a 3.440 Team GPA. The Flying Dutch are one of two MIAA teams to receive the honor every year since the program began.