The Flying Dutchmen are primed in 2013 to continue an extended streak of success that includes a current run of 14 consecutive winning seasons.
The Flying Dutchmen are coming off a 12-8 campaign and look to improve on last season's third-place finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
Coach Steve Smith is the dean of MIAA coaches as he heads into his 24th season leading the Flying Dutchmen. He has a league record of 219-62-20 that trails in MIAA history only hall of fame coach Hardy Fuchs of Kalamazoo College (254 MIAA wins from 1971-2002).
Hope has won 76 percent of its MIAA games under Smith's direction. Smith is 15th among active Division III coaches with an overall win percentage of 72.9 percent.
The 2013 roster of 26 features five seniors, 10 juniors, eight sophomores and four freshmen.
Senior co-captains are midfielder/forward Max DeBoef of Plainwell (Plainwell HS) and back Grant Neil of Holland (West Ottawa HS).
Hope was picked second in the MIAA preseason coaches poll.
The Flying Dutchmen return two players who garnered all-Central Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and All-MIAA recognition. Neil made the All-Central Region Second Team and All-MIAA First Team after totaling a team-leading eight assists and finishing with 12 points. He could become a two-time, All-Region honoree like his older brother, Logan (2010 and 2011). Senior midfielder Jason Muller of Petoskey (Petoskey HS) landed on the All-Central Region Third Team and All-MIAA First Team. He also was chosen Team MVP after recording a team-high 10 goals and 24 points. Neil and Muller both are two-sport athletes for the Flying Dutchmen, with Neil playing basketball and Muller tennis.
Junior midfielder Gavid Midlam of East Lansing (East Lansing HS) shared the Team's Most Improved Award last season.
