HIGHLIGHTS
Conference Champions
Women's Cross Country
Men's Golf
Women's Soccer
Women's Swimming & Diving
Men's Lacrosse
Women's Tennis
Women's Outdoor Track & Field
NACDA Division III Directors' Cup Standings
Hope ranked 41st in the final 2018-19 Learfield IMG College Directors' Cup standings among 448 Division III member schools with a total of 403 points from appearances in NCAA championship postseason competition.
MIAA Commissioner's Cup Standings
Hope finished first in the MIAA Commissioner's Cup standings with 130 points. The Flying Dutch led the league in women's sports with 69 out of a possible 72 points and four league titles. The Flying Dutchmen had the third-most points among men's teams with 61 points.
Otto van der Velde All-Campus Award Recipient
Josh Gibson, Men's Golf
John Schouten Award Recipients
Francesca Buchanan, Women's Basketball
Transitions
Co-athletic director Melinda Larson stepped down following the 2018-19 school year. Tim Schoonvend was named sole athletic director, while Lindsey Engelsman and Courtney Kust joined Caroline Dykstra as assistant athletic directors.
Kim Vincent retired as women's lacrosse coach following the 2019 season. Keagan Pontious was hired as head coach in June.
John Patnott retired as head men's and women's swimming and diving coach following the 2018-19 season. Jake Taber, who coached with Patnott for one season, is now the head coach for the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch.
Historic Moments and Notable Performances
Josh Gibson became the first Division III golfer to be a repeat selection as the Jack Nicklaus Golfer of the year. For the second year in a row, Gibson received his award from golfing legend and award namesake Jack Nicklaus during a PGA Tour event in June. Gibson was national runner-up in May. Men's golf finished ninth as a team at the NCAA Championships.
Men's Soccer's Logan Bylsma and Softball's Shay Pinhey were chosen Google Cloud College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-Americans.
Men's Basketball hosted the milestone 200th game in The Rivalry against Hope College on February 2, 2019. The Flying Dutchmen were edged, 82-80, at DeVos Fieldhouse in front of a capacity crowd and a nationwide television audience.
The game program for The Rivalry's 200th game was selected as "Best in Nation" in the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Publications Contest. The program was produced by Eva Dean Folkert, director of communication services, served as the managing editor and writer; Alan Babbitt, sports information director, was a contributing writer and photographer; and Paul Willard, graphic designer, designed the program layout and provided illustrations.
Men's and Women's Basketball topped NCAA Division III in home attendance for the 11th consecutive season. It is the 21st time overall the Flying Dutchmen have topped the nation in men's basketball attendance. The Flying Dutch finished No. 1 in attendance for the 13th time overall.
Swimmer Meg Peel finished national runner-up in the 200-yard backstroke at the NCAA Division III Championships in March. She joined Susan Looman (1994) and Laural Horton (1998) as Flying Dutch All-Americans in the event.
Men's Lacrosse won the MIAA Tournament title and played in their first NCAA Tournament game in May. Head coach Michael Schanhals guided the Flying Dutchmen to back-to-back league championships.
FALL
Men's Cross Country
Hope placed 16th out of the 38 teams competing at the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional in Shelbyville, Indiana. Coach Mark Northuis and the Flying Dutchmen finished with a total of 471 points. Senior Nathan Schloff led Hope with a time of 26 minutes and 4.2 seconds that was 38th overall. The Flying Dutchmen placed four overall at the MIAA Championships with a score of 127 points. Schloff clocked the top effort for Hope in 22nd at 26:49.1.
Women's Cross Country
Hope finished 24th at their 10th consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division III Championships. Coach Mark Northuis and the Flying Dutch totaled 594 points at the 32-team event in November in Winneconne, Wisconsin. Senior Emily Hamilton topped Hope by crossing the finish line in 22 minutes, 23.3 seconds for 78th place overall. Hope placed fourth at the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional in Westerville, Indiana with four runners who earned all-region honors: Hamilton, junior Chelsea Miskelley, junior Kelly Peregrine and senior Avery Lowe. The Flying Dutch also captured their fourth consecutive MIAA title - a team-best.
Football
Hope completed back-to-back, eight-win seasons for the first time in 44 years by finishing an 8-2 overall record under the direction of head coach Peter Stuursma. Senior nose tackle Ian Gorgenson and junior center Zach Smith both received all-region honors from D3football.com. Five Hope players earned 2018 All-MIAA First Team honors from the league's coaches: Gorgenson, Smith, senior defensive back Kimani Dooley, senior defensive end Tate Knapp, and junior quarterback Mason Opple. Opple's 18 rushing touchdowns were the third-most in team history. Senior Mike Miklusicak returned from a knee injury to became the 10th Hope running back to reach 2,000 career rushing yards.
Men's Golf
Hope, under the direction of head coach Scott Lokers, recorded its third consecutive Top 10 finish at the NCAA Division III Championships with a ninth-place finish in May at Keene Track Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Senior Josh Gibson finished as national runner-up as he tied for second place by averaging 71.75 strokes over 72 holes. In June, Josh Gibson became the first Division III golfer to be a repeat selection as the Jack Nicklaus Golfer of the Year. He also was named an All-American. Senior Ben Kramer earned honorable-mention All-America honors. Josh Gibson, Andrew Goble and Daniel Settecerri all claimed all-region recognition. The Flying Dutchmen qualified for nationals for the sixth consecutive season by winning the MIAA's 54-hole qualifier in April and the 108-round regular-season title in October. Hope shattered its previous MIAA record for a six-round average of 293.3 in 2016. Josh Gibson became the first MIAA golfer to claim MIAA MVP honors for the third consecutive season and the third MIAA golfer to earn MVP honors three times. He followed Hope's Eric Wohlfield (1998-99, 2001) and Olivet's Brian Robinette (1990-91, 1993). Josh Gibson was joined on the All-MIAA First team by three teammates Andrew Goble, Ben Kramer and Daniel Settecerri.
Women's Golf
Hope finished runner-up at the MIAA Championship for the second consecutive season and placed third at the MIAA's NCAA Division III Championship qualifier in April. Abigail Meder and Jordyn Rioux both earned All-MIAA Second Team honors for the Flying Dutch, who were led by head coach Greg Stafford.
Men's Soccer
Hope went 14-3-1 overall in the first season under head coach Dave Brandt. The Flying Dutchmen returned to the MIAA tournament for the second year in a row but lost to Calvin in semifinals. Isaac Braak was recognized as an All-MIAA First-Team selection in the 2018 season; he also received first-team, All-Central Region honors from the United Soccer Coaches. Logan Bylsma was chosen to the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-America NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Teams by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Women's Soccer
Hope advanced to the sectional round of the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in team history after finished with a 16-3-2 overall record following a 2-1 loss at Christopher Newport in the Round of 16. The Flying Dutch, under the direction of head coach Leigh Sears, captured their third consecutive MIAA Championship and were runner-up in the MIAA Tournament. Hope received an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. Senior midfielder Rylie Dalton was named MIAA's Most Valuable Player and was joined on the first team by senior defender Eliza Beird and senior forward Hilary Curry. Four Hope players earned all-region honors: Dalton, Beird, Curry and senior defender Morgan Buursma. The Flying Dutch shut out 12 opponents during the season.
Volleyball
Hope finished with 25-8 overall after advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the 15th time in team history and losing in the first round to DePauw (Indiana) in five sets. The Flying Dutch received an at-large berth to nationals after placing runner-up in both the MIAA Tournament after regular-season standings. Senior outside hitter Katie Rietberg and freshman middle hitter McKenna Otto both earned All-MIAA First Team honors. Otto also was named the MIAA's Freshman of the Year in volleyball. During the regular season, Hope played its 100th match against Calvin.
WINTER
Men's Basketball
Hope finished with a 15-11 overall record after tying for third place in the MIAA regular-season standings and losing in the first round of the league tournament. In February, head coach Greg Mitchell and the Flying Dutchmen set a team record with 18 3-pointers made during a home win against Olivet College. Also in February, Hope hosted the milestone 200th game in The Rivalry with Calvin College at DeVos Fieldhouse. The Flying Dutchmen lost, 82-80, despite 24 points from junior Riley Lewis, and senior Jason Beckman became the 41st member of the Flying Dutchmen to reach 1,000 career points in a span of two seasons. In November, Hope set a team scoring record with 139 points during a season-opening victory against Greenville (Illinois). Jason Beckman and Riley Lewis were All-MIAA Second Team selections.
Women's Basketball
Hope posted its 22nd consecutive 20-win season with a 24-5 overall record that included a trip to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. It was the Flying Dutch's seventh consecutive postseason appearance and 20th overall. Hope, led by head coach Brian Morehouse, finished runner-up in the MIAA Tournament after dropping the tournament's first double-overtime championship game, 70-65, at Trine. The Flying Dutch also came in second in the regular-season standings. Senior Francesca Buchanan concluded her career with 1,476 points — second-most in team history. She also finished with 71 points - seventh-most among Hope players. Francesca Buchanan was selected to play in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game and received all-region recognition. Francesca Buchanan and sophomore Kenedy Schoonveld were repeat All-MIAA First Team selections. The Flying Dutch finished No. 1 in attendance for the 11th season in a row and 13th time overall; they were among 25 Division III teams to make the WBCA Academic Honor Roll.
Men's Swimming & Diving
Senior Brian Simonich earned honorable-mention All-America honors in 3-meter diving after placing 12th at the NCAA Division III Championships in March. He also placed 23rd on 1-meter diving at nationals. Brian Simonich and Grant Williams qualified for diving regionals. Hope, led by co-head coaches John Patnott and Jake Taber, came in fourth place in the team standings at the MIAA Championships. Junior swimmer Daniel Clyde set a team records in the 200- and 400-yard individual medley, while sophomore swimmer Daniel Keith established a new team record in the 200 freestyle. Grant Williams set a team record in the 1-meter diving. Daniel Clyde, Daniel Keith, Brian Simonich and Grant Williams all claimed All-MIAA honors.
Women's Swimming & Diving
Sophomore swimmer Meg Peel finished as national runner-up in the 200-yard backstroke with a school-record effort at the NCAA Division III Championships in March. She joined Susan Looman (1994) and Laural Horton (1998) as Flying Dutch All-Americans in the event. Meg Peel also set a school record in the 100 backstroke that led to a ninth-place finish in the event and honorable-mention All-America honors. Senior Sara Plohetski qualified for NCAA diving regionals. In February, Hope ended Calvin College's 14-year reign as MIAA champions with a winning performance at the league meet at Holland Community Aquatic Center. It was the final team meet of John Patnott's 38-season coaching career. Meg Peel was selected as the MIAA's Most Valuable Swimmer. Peel was joined by seven teammates on the All-MIAA Team, including three-time swimming honorees Erin Emmert and Paula Nolte. Diver Sara Plohetski and swimmer Emma Schaefer received All-MIAA recognition for the second time. Three Hope swimmers were first-time honorees: senior Abigail Brinks, senior Betsy Craig, and junior Allison Eppinga.
Men's Indoor Track & Field
Senior sprinter Justin Freeman, junior heptathlete Josh Izenbart and middle-distance runner Owen Ljung all earned all-region honors. Josh Izenbart set a team record in the indoor high jump at the Ohio Northern Invitational in February. Justin Freeman broke the team record in the indoor 200 meters. Senior pole vaulter Ben Turner improved his own team record. Hope's distance medley relay of senior Collin Thomas, sophomore Zackary Murphy, junior Brenden Jones and freshman Nick Hoffman set a team record at the Grand Valley State University Big Meet, then went on to an MIAA title in the event. The Flying Dutchmen finished fourth at the MIAA Championships. Zackary Murphy earned All-MIAA honors in the 800 meters.
Women's Indoor Track & Field
Junior Mitchel Achien'g became the eighth different Flying Dutch to claim MIAA Most Valuable Athletes honors in track and field, and the first for indoors. She also earned all-region honors after winning the indoor triple jump at the league meet with a school-record performance. It was the first time she tried the event. Mitchel Achien'g was joined on the All-MIAA Team by MIAA record-tying high jumper Addyson Gerig and members of two relays: 1) the 4x400 relay of junior Nicole Kruithof, senior Allison VanderStoep, junior Sally Hansma and junior Chelsea Miskelley; 2) the distance medley relay of senior Avery Lowe, Chelsea Miskelley, junior Hannah Kenny and junior Kelly Peregrine. Hope led by head coach Kevin Cole, placed second at the conference meet.
SPRING
Baseball
Hope recorded the first 30-win season in team history while posting a 31-11 overall record. The Flying Dutchmen, led by head coach Stu Fritz, finished runner-up in the MIAA regular-season standings and the league tournament. Senior second baseman Jordon Fairchild and junior right fielder Mason Opple both claimed all-region honors. Jordon Fairchild collected a team-record 51 runs scored and slugged a MIAA-leading 10 home runs during the season. Mason Opple tied Hope's career RBI record with 199 after collecting a career-high 48 runs batted in. Jordon Fairchild, Mason Opple, center fielder Evan Maday and catcher Trace Slancik all were All-MIAA First Team selections. In March, Hope pitchers tossed two no-hitters in a span of six days during the annual spring break trip to Florida. Three Flying Dutchmen no-hit Clarkson in the season opener, 11-0, in seven innings: starter Sean Hoey and relievers Matt VanDyken and Max Gaishin. Then, two Hope pitchers no-hit Minnesota-Morris during a 6-2 victory: starter Keaton Hamilton and reliever CJ Otteman.
Men's Lacrosse
Hope advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in team history and finished with a 14-4 overall record after a 7-6 overtime loss to John Carroll (Ohio) in the first round in Rochester, N.Y. Led by head coach Michael Schanhals, the Flying Dutchmen repeated as MIAA regular-season champion and won the MIAA Tournament for the first time. Hope defeated Albion twice in a span of five days to claim both MIAA titles. Ten Flying Dutchmen received All-MIAA honors, including five first-team selections: midfielder Gino Battaglia, defender Andrew Caris, attacker Max Kuiper, goalie Nick Schanhals and faceoff specialist Cole Schaeffer. Long pole Brayden Blackburn, short pole Liam Cunningham, midfielder Nathaniel Hentschel, defender Tucker Martinez and forward Jack Radzville were second-team selections.
Women's Lacrosse
Hope advanced to the MIAA Tournament championship game for the second time in three seasons and finished with an 11-6 overall record. The Flying Dutch, under the direction of head coach Kim Vincent, became the first team in league history to beat a No. 1 seed in the MIAA tournament with an overtime victory at Saint Mary's. Junior defender Julianna Burlet was chosen as an All-MIAA First Team selections. Sophomore attacker Carly Pieri and sophomore midfielder Paige Wilmer were second-team honorees. Kim Vincent retired as women's lacrosse coach following the 2019 season. Keagan Pontious was hired as head coach in June.
Softball
Hope recorded its sixth consecutive season with at least 20 wins under head coach Mary VandeHoef en route to a 24-13 overall record. The Flying Dutch finished third in the MIAA regular-season standings and qualified for the league tournament. Sophomore shortstop Savannah Dixon earned all-region honors and a team record with 48 runs batted in. Savannah Dixon and senior designated player Shay Pinhey claimed All-MIAA First Team honors. Sophomore catcher Morgann Kanouse and freshman second baseman Arinn King were second-team selections. Shay Pinhey was chosen a Google Cloud College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American.
Men's Tennis
Hope, under the direction of head coach Bob Cawood, totaled 12 wins en route to finishing runner-up in the MIAA regular-season standings and the league tournament. Seniors Tim Roe and Mark VanderStoep received All-MIAA First Team honors. Senior Michael Kiley and junior Danny Kroeze were second-team selections. Michael Kiley was Hope's 23rd recipient of the Dr. Allen B. Stowe Memorial sportsmanship award given in memory of the 1920 Kalamazoo College graduate and founder of the Hornets' tennis program.
Women's Tennis
Junior No. 1 singles player Claire Hallock became the fifth Flying Dutch player to claim All-America honors. Both Claire Hallock and junior Amanda Bandrowski finished the season ranked in the final Intercollegiate Tennis Association singles rankings after being invited to the NCAA Division III Singles Championship. Hope, led by head coach Bob Cawood, placed 29th in the final ITA team rankings. The Flying Dutch advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament in their eighth consecutive postseason appearance and 15th overall. Claire Hallock was named the Intercollegiate Athletic Association Central Region Player to Watch for the 2019 season, while freshman Sydney Jackson was chosen as the Central Region Rookie of the Year. Hope repeated as MIAA Tournament champions and set a league record with their eighth consecutive tournament championship. The Flying Dutch also won their fifth consecutive MIAA regular-season title and 26th overall. Claire Hallock was selected as MIAA MVP and was joined on the All-MIAA First team by Amanda Bandrowski and Sydney Jackson. Senior Taylor LaBarge received the MIAA's Karen Caine Scholar-Athlete Award.
Men's Outdoor Track & Field
Senior Justin Freeman and junior Josh Izenbart finished in the top 20 in their respective events at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Freeman placed 16th in both the 100- and 200-meter preliminaries, while Izenbart came in 18th in the decathlon. Justin Freeman and Josh Izenbart both earned all-region honors in their events, as did junior Owen Ljung in the 800 meters. The Flying Dutchmen, led by head coach Kevin Cole, took third place at the MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship hosted by Hope at Brewer Track. Justin Freeman was named MIAA Most Valuable Track Athlete after sweeping the 100-meter and 200-meter titles in school-record fashion and anchoring the first-place 4x100 relay. Justin Freeman also set an MIAA record in the 200 meters. Josh Izenbart joined Justin Freeman on the All-MIAA First Team after winning a league title in the javelin.
Women's Outdoor Track & Field
Hope repeated as MIAA outdoor track & field team champions for the second time in school history while hosting the league meet at Brewer Track. The Flying Dutch, led by head coach Kevin Cole, finished 73 points ahead of the nearest competitor and won five events. Seven Hope athletes received All-MIAA First Team honors: Mitchel Achien'g in the 100-meter hurdles, junior Addyson Gerig in the high jump, Chelsea Miskelley in the 800-meter run, freshman Hayley Scollard in the 400-meter hurdles, and the 4x400 relay of senior Allison VanderStoep, junior Sally Hansma, junior Nicole Kruithof and Chelsea Miskelley. Mitchel Achien'g earned all-region honors in the heptathlon.
