An appearance in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament title game and nationally recognized sportsmanship were among the highlights for the Hope women's soccer team during the 2012 season.
The Flying Dutch finished second in the first four-team league tournament in MIAA history after tying for second in the regular-season standings. Hope ended up with a 14-6-2 overall record, the second-highest win total in team history.
Four members of the Flying Dutch made All-MIAA, including two first-team selections — sophomore forward Lindsey Bieri of Holland (Holland Christian HS) and sophomore forward Courtney Schmidt of Lowell (Lowell HS). Sophomore Erin Jipping of Holland (West Ottawa HS) and senior Lindsay Jipping of Jenison (Hudsonville Unity Christian HS) both landed second-team recognition. Erin Jipping was being honored on the second team for a second time.
Hope also received the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) Gold Team Ethics Award for completing the entire 2012 season without receiving either a yellow or red card. The NCAA soccer program for men and women in all Divisions consists of 1,799 teams.
This marked the third time over the past five years that the Flying Dutch have gone through an entire season without receiving a yellow or red card.
The Flying Dutch also earned the MIAA Team Grade Point Average Award with a 3.452 GPA.
