The Hope College women's soccer team are counting an experienced and deep roster to lead the way during the 2016-17 season.
Coach Leigh Sears and the Flying Dutch graduated only three seniors from a team that tied for the third most number of wins with a 16-3-3 overall record. Hope was runner-up for Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular-season and tournament titles.
The Flying Dutch were chosen preseason favorites in the MIAA coaches poll. They received six of eight possible first-place votes.
Head coach: Leigh Sears
Assistant coaches: Elliot Slenk, Kate Thayer, Chelsea Fox
2015 season: 16-3-3, 12-1-3 MIAA
Roster total: 26
Class breakdown: Seniors - 6, Juniors - 6, Sophomores - 12, Freshmen - 2
Captains: Natalie Curry, Kendall Dice, Elizabeth Perkins, Jennifer Thelen
Players to watch: Sophomore Rachael Braginton led the Flying Dutch last season with 10 goals. Sophomore Rylie Dalton was second on the Flying Dutch with 10 goals. Three others players with at least four goals are back: Erin Brophy, Elizabeth Perkins and Allie Wittenbach. Brophy collected five goals and a team-high nine assists.
Others to watch: Junior goalie Mary Clare Theis started every game last season and posted 13 shutouts. She is flanked by defenders Mallory Beswick, Eliza Beird, Murphy Stadelmaier and Jennifer Thelen.
Departures: Sarah Fazio, Kristin Hazlett, Anna Krueger
2016 opener: Friday, Sept. 2, vs. Hanover, Indiana at Wheaton, Illinois
Of note: Brophy is a returning All-MIAA First Team honoree. Braginton, Dalton and Perkins all were second-team selections. The Flying Dutch earned the MIAA Team GPA Award last season and put 21 players on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.
Click below to watch an interview with Coach Sears.
