by Alan Babbitt
Six members of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion Hope College women's cross country team earned all-league recognition for the 2021 season.
Senior Jacinda Cole, junior Ana Tucker, and sophomore Rebecca Markham all are first-team selections. Juniors Anna Mason and Ellie Jankowski, and sophomore Libby Gorman all made the second team.
The six runners powered the Flying Dutch to a first-place team finish at the MIAA Championships — Hope's sixth consecutive league title.
Tucker (Midland, Michigan / H.H. Dow HS) ran to a second-place finish out of 126 runners at the 6K MIAA Championships. The exercise science major earned her second All-MIAA First Team selection.
"Ana enjoys tough competition and the ability to challenge herself," Northuis said. "As a student of the sport, she is able to apply her academics to her sport to help herself improve over a wide range of racing distances and formats."
Markham (Hoffman Estates, Illinois / William Fremd) clocked a fourth-place effort at the MIAA Championships.
"Rebecca is new to the collegiate cross country scene but is handling the big meets like a seasoned veteran," Northuis said. "She has gotten better each meet and is showing she can press the pace by herself or in a group."
Cole (Holland, Michigan / West Ottawa) finished eighth at the MIAA Championships. The English Language Arts Education major is a first-team honoree for the second time in her career.
"Jacinda provides stabilizing leadership on our team," Northuis said. "Her previous big meet experiences reflect in her strong performances."
Jankowski (Granger, Indiana / Penn) placed 10th at the MIAA Championships. The communication major earned her first All-MIAA honor.
"This is Ellie's first complete cross country season, and she is showing she belongs," Northuis said. "She enjoys big meets and does not give up in races. We are definitely a much better team with Ellie pushing the pace and encouraging our pack of women."
Mason (Zeeland, Michigan / Libertas Christian) recorded a 12th-place run at the MIAA Championships. The public accounting major is a first-time All-MIAA recipient.
"Anna is a first-year runner for Hope cross country," Northuis said. "She is proving to be a valuable team racer especially in the second half of races, pulling her teammates to the finish line. Her competitive focus has helped her maintain a hard drive to the finish."
Gorman (Traverse City, Michigan / St. Francis) took 12th at the MIAA Championships. The English education major is a first-time All-MIAA honoree.
"Another newcomer to the cross country scene, Libby has improved the most of any of our women throughout the season," Northuis said. "She is a fierce competitor who is proving to be a big-meet runner. Each week she gets better and races faster."
