Note: The annual HOPEYs celebration of Hope College Athletics will be held on Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse. The event is open to the public. Admission is free.
The Be Strong, Be True. Athlete of the Year Award is presented to a 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 3.5), plays a significant role on the team, and is involved in the Hope and Holland community.
Grace Connelly, Softball
The junior has been driven to success on the softball diamond as a pitcher and with her studies as a communication major. Connelly went a career-best 8-6 on the mound with a career-low 2.49 earned run average during the 2023 season. The right-hander struck out a career-high 79 batters in 97.1 innings pitched. Connelly made the MIAA Academic Honor Roll as a freshman.
Natalie Hammer, Women's Soccer
The senior delivered in the classroom and off the field for the Flying Dutch while pursuing a double major in German and social work and playing forward. Hammer played in 18 games this season, making 12 starts and scoring three goals. Hammer was selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-DistrIct® Teams last fall. Hammer made the MIAA Academic Honor as a junior and as a freshman.
Jessica Schamanek, Women's Cross Country
The senior has pursued a major of Chinese studies with the same passion as her running career. Schamanek was a co-captain for the NCAA Championships-qualifying and MIAA co-champion women's country team. Schamanek made the MIAA Academic Honor Roll as a sophomore and a freshman.
Olivia Fiebing, Volleyball
The senior excelled on and off the volleyball court as a political science major and a libero for the national runner-up and MIAA champion Flying Dutch. Fiebing averaged a career-best 4.48 digs per set this season. Fiebing was chosen to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® Teams as a third-team selection. Fiebing made the MIAA Academic Honor Roll as a junior, sophomore and freshman.
