2013-14 Hope Women's Swimming & Diving Captains Announced

Seniors Maria Kieft of Spring Lake (Spring Lake HS) and Bethany Schmall of Portage (Portage Central HS) will join junior Lauren Girard of Rockford (Rockford HS) in elite company as captains of the Hope women's swimming & diving team in the 2013-14 season.

Girard, a psychology major, swims the 100 and 200-yard backstroke and the 50-yard freestyle. She will add depth in the backstroke events and has had successful freshman and sophomore seasons. Girard relates very well with all of the swimmers and divers, Hope coach John Patnott said.

Kieft, a biology major, swims the 100 and 200-yard backstrokes and the 50-yard freestyle. She is a returning member of the 2013 MIAA Champion 200-yard freestyle relay and was the 2012 MIAA Champion in the 100-yard backstroke. Kieft will lead with attitude and determination and keep the team focused, Patnott said.

Schmall, a communication major, swims the 100, 200, and 500-yard freestyle. She will add depth in the mid-distance freestyle events.

Schmall is a returning captain and knows what is needed, Patnoot said She has great empathy for other swimmers but will be determined to lead the Dutch to an MIAA championship. Bethany will train with conviction to set an example for the team, Patnott said.

Here is a list of past Flying Dutch captains. Captains are listed based on available records. If you can help complete this list, please send the information by email to babbitt@hope.edu.

2012 — Sarah Sohn, Libby Westrate, Chelsea Wiese

2011 — Anna Heckenliable, Ashley Jasperse, Sarah Sohn, Alicia Tuuk

2010 — Claire Piester, Christina Vogelzang

2009 — Laura Ansilio, Brittaney Reest-Delo

2008 — Laura Ansilio, Trisha Meier, Brittaney Reest

2007 — Jennifer Carr, Sarah Diekevers, Trisha Meier, Lisa Smith

2006 — Lisa Baran, Lisa Ekdom, Megan O'Neil, Ashley Tillman

2005 — Lisa Baran, Sarah Smith, Erika Steele

2004 ‑ Audrey Arnold, Lindsay Close, Haley Martin

2003 — Haley Martin, Kelly Parker, Erin VandenBerg

2002 — Kelly Parker, Laura Smith, Erin VandenBerg

2001 — Karen Fischer, Laura Smith, Betsy VandenBerg