Carol Fritz Named Fifth Recipient of Bunko Service Award

Carol Fritz, Hope College's senior associate director for admissions, was honored as the Hope Athletics Bunko Service Award's fifth recipient during the HOPEYs awards ceremony on Monday.

The Bunko Service Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who is connected to Hope Athletics and recognized for their contributions that go above and beyond what is expected. Past award recipients are: Nancy Kamstra (2023), Scott VanderStoep (2022), Gord VanderYacht (2020) and Hope College bus drivers (2019).

The award honors the memory of Norman "Bunko" Japinga, who served the athletics program at Hope College by infusing extraordinary joy and kindness into sometimes ordinary responsibilities. As an equipment manager, bus driver, scorekeeper and announcer, Japinga became an encourager, servant, counselor and friend.

Since coming to campus in 1993, Fritz has had the opportunity to work with students and their families in helping them get to know Hope and Holland.

Her husband, Stu, is the Flying Dutchmen's baseball coach and is retiring following the 2024 season after 31 seasons at Hope.

Carol Fritz strategizes how to share the Hope story to many different people across the country. She loves to work hard at building trusting relationships that empower students and families who never thought higher education was a possibility.

Fritz was presented the Bunko Service Award by athletic trainer Annie Carrigan, who is Bunko's granddaughter, and baseball senior Andrew Pickett.

"This year's award winner is someone that I am lucky enough to call a friend and role model," Carrigan said. "It is amazing to witness the care and support that she gives all students and families of Hope. She makes everyone feel like her own family and provides a safe space for all. [Her] kindness, grace, and encouragement never go unnoticed."

Added Pickett, "Carol has had an irreplaceable impact on the Hope College community that has helped build on the amazing culture that we have at this place. Her service to our community has allowed countless athletes to pursue their academic and athletic dreams with ease. Embracing her role as the athletics liaison, she represents Hope to all current and hopeful student-athletes and has developed meaningful relationships with so many people across campus. With a loving smile and a kind heart, she is someone who is there for you in the most exciting times and all of the hardships."

Pickett recalled Fritz's grace and care for him during the baseball team's spring break trip to Florida.

"While her competitive spirit shines through during the heat of a game, it is what happens outside of the lines that makes Carol so special," Pickett said. "During our first game in Florida this spring, my mother was taken to the hospital and I had no idea. When the game ended, Carol knew that I would be looking for my parents so she greeted me outside the dugout and explained the situation. She showered me with love and encouragement during the next few days and was constantly checking in to see if I needed anything. This is just one example of who she is for all of the baseball players and other student-athletes here at Hope."

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