by Alan Babbitt

Four Hope College student-athletes have been selected for all-region teams by the United Soccer Coaches organization.

The Flying Dutch's Sarah Mikesell and Jenna Mustapha and the Flying Dutchmen's Brandon Fles and Matt Wimmer are Region VIII honorees.

Mustapha is one of four first-team defenders on the women's all-region team. The sophomore from Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Northern HS) played in 19 games this season for the Flying Dutch, who finished with a 13-5-2 overall record and were MIAA Tournament champions.

A chemistry major, Mustapha helped the Flying Dutch shut out 10 opponents this season while also recording two assists and one goal.

Mikesell made the second team as a forward. The senior from Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores) led Hope in goals, assists, and points this season.

A nursing major. Mikesell registered career-highs with 13 goals, six assists and 32 points in 19 games. Mikesell's 13 goals tied for the seventh-most in a single-season at Hope, equaling Dawn Gillam (2002) and Tracy Phelps (1993).

Fles and Wimmer each are third-team selections on the men's all-region teams. They helped Hope post an 11-4-3 record.

Fles, a defender, helped anchor a Flying Dutchmen defense that shut out eight opponents this season. 

The sophomore from Spring Lake, Michigan (Western Michigan Christian) also chipped in one goal, a game-winner at Heidelberg University (Ohio) on September 18.

Wimmer, a midfielder, recorded eight points in 18 games for the Flying Dutchmen.

The sophomore from Farmington Hills, Michigan (Detroit Jesuit) totaled career-highs with three goals and two assists.