A Hope College junior or senior who demonstrates the true essence of being a student-athlete and embodies the Division III motto of Discover, Develop, Dedicate. This student-athlete is in high academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.75), plays a significant role on the team, and is involved in the Hope and Holland community.
* Taylor LaBarge, Women's Tennis – A two-time captain and four-year starter for the Flying Dutch, LaBarge has a career record of 46-24 in singles and 63-27 in doubles. On campus, she has been involved with Dance Marathon for several years and served as the director of the event in 2019. Her will to succeed is evident both on and off the court. LaBarge is a Public Accounting and Business major with plans to obtain her CPA license and work for a public accounting firm after graduation.
* Shay Pinhey, Softball – Pinhey is a senior Biomedical Engineering major with a minor in mathematics. She is a captain for the Flying Dutch and has been a key player over her four years. In 2018, Pinhey received All-America Scholar-Athlete honors by Easton/NFCA. She has served on campus as a three-year R.A., teaching assistant for Engineering and Biomechanics, Orientation Assistant, and as a member of ACT/SAAC. Additionally, Pinhey has volunteered with Relay for Life, Miracle League, and with the clean-up crew for Renew Riding Center.
* Katie Rietberg, Volleyball – Rietberg is a senior majoring in Elementary Special Education. After graduating, she hopes to find a teaching job in the Michigan area. With her degree, Rietberg also hopes to get involved with organizations in the community dedicated to aspects of special education and bettering the lives of people with exceptionalities. On the volleyball court, Rietberg received All-MIAA First Team honors and served as a captain for the Flying Dutch. In the community, Rietberg is involved with Kids Hope, Camp Sunshine, and coaches club volleyball.
* Eliza Beird, Women's Soccer – As a Kinesiology, Exercise Science major, Beird plans to pursue a career in prosthetics and orthotics after graduation. Beird was a four-year starter for the Flying Dutch and team captain her senior year. In her final season for Hope, she received All-MIAA First Team honors and was recognized as a Second Team All-Region player by the United States Soccer Coaches. Off the field, Beird is a mentor for students at Holland Heights, volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, and coaches with local soccer teams. She serves on ACT/SAAC and Mortar Board and is involved with Athletes in Action.
