Junior Lindsey Bieri of Holland (Holland Christian HS), senior Courtney Laux of Novi (Novi HS), senior Rachel Rebhan of Holland (Zeeland East HS) and junior Courtney Schmidt of Lowell (Lowell HS) will join an elite group of Hope College women's soccer captains in the 2013 season.

Bieri, a forward, is a management and ecomonics major. In 2012, Bieri led Hope in goals (9) and assists (5) while being named All-MIAA First Team and Team Offensive MVP.  She will help spark the Flying Dutch offense with her skillful play and ability to make those around her better, Hope coach Leigh Sears said. Teammates and opponents have come to respect her for her determination, work ethic, and tenacity, both on and off the field, Sears said.

Laux, a special education major, returns after an injury sidelined her for much of the 2012 season. Sears said Laux will play an important role for the Flying Dutch in the central midfield, providing consistent, solid play on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field. Sears said Laux's dedication to the program's success and desire to compete at the highest level make her an outstanding team leader.

Rebhan, a midfielder, is an exercise science major who is in Hope's pre-physical therapy program. She will anchor the central midfield for the Flying Dutch. Sears said Rebhan is a playmaker for the Flying Dutch, starting much of the offensive attack coming out of defensive transition.  Sears said Rebhan is a smart player whose field vision often sets her teammates up with great opportunities in the offensive third.  Rebhan's dedication and competitiveness make her a great leader for Hope, Sears said.

Schmidt, a defender, is a pre-med major. Schmidt's ability to match up with opponents, while helping to organize the team's defensive efforts has made her a force to be reckoned with in her first two seasons, Sears said. Schmidt will continue to be an asset to the team as she possesses a fierce on-the-field presence, leading with determination and a commitment to excellence, Sears said.

Here are the past captains for the Flying Dutch over 23 seasons.

2012 — Megan Altieri, Kylie Clark, Lindsay Jipping, Sara Lang

2011 — Bethann Hamer, Lana Gentry, Sara Lang, Danielle Petzak

2010 — Kelsey Bos, Kara Marsman, Kristen Schwenk

2009 — Kirsten Kaufmann, Kara Marsman, Kristen Schwenk

2008 — Kirsten Kaufmann, Sonya Masghati, Ellen Molenaar

2007 — No captains named

2006 — Sarah Cochrane, Holly Nestle, Rachael Sauerman, Ellie Tresslar

2005 — Negeen Masghati, Tess Scholz, Lauren Stieper

2004 — Dawn Gillam, Catie Neidlinger, Tess Scholz

2003 — Dawn Gillam, Catie Neidlinger, Tess Scholz

2002 — Mary Ayres, Danielle Nave

2001 — Liz Dornbos, Beth Stygstra

2000 — Emilie Dirske, Lindsey O'Dell, Laura Splinter

1999 — Debbie Burr, Katie Markan, Amy Vincent

1998 — Tina Gill, Sarah Klaasen, Katie Markan, Melody Morscheck

1997 — Tina Gill, Lisa Knott, Gretchen Schoon

1996 — Lauren O'Dowd

1995 — Kim Nolan

1994 — Kim Nolan, Kara VanderKamp

1993 — Pam Rugen

1992 — Julie Akin, Nancy Birch

1991 — Tammy Lind, Lynn Schopp, Anita Shier

1990 — Lynn Schopp, Kara Wolfe