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 Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the male student-athlete deemed to be the most exceptional during the year.

Michael Mann, Men's Lacrosse

The junior attacker totaled a career-high 58 goals for the MIAA Tournament champion Flying Dutchmen during the 2023 season while also earning honorable-mention all-region honors from the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association and All-MIAA First Team recognition. The 58 goals were the third-most in a single season in team history.  Mann tied a school record with eight goals during an April 26, win at Alma.

Eli Meder, Men's Track and Field

The senior excelled as a middle-distance runner during the 2024 indoor and 2023 outdoor seasons. In March, Meder made his third trip to the NCAA Indoor Championships and finished a personal-best 13th in the nation in the 800 meters. In February, he earned all-region honors in the 800 meters, mile and distance medley relay. He repeated as MIAA champion in the 800 meters and set a school record in the event. Last spring, Meder claimed all-region honors in the outdoor 800 meters and was All-MIAA and MIAA champion in the 800 meters.

Nick Flegler, Football

The sophomore became the Flying Dutchmen's 21st All-America in football by receiving second-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association. One of seven defensive backs in NCAA Division III to claim All-America accolades, Flegler topped the Hope defense last fall with 62 tackles and five interceptions. While playing both cornerback and safety, Flegler also forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble.

Tanner Wiegerink, Men's Basketball

The senior forward shined on the court this season, earning D3hoops.com all-region and All-MIAA accolades while leading the Flying Dutchmen to a 23-7 record, a third consecutive MIAA Tournament title and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Wiegerink topped the Flying Dutchmen in scoring at a career-high 13.5 points per game. He also set career-bests in rebounds, blocks, field goals and free throws attempted and made. 

Ben Catton, Men's Swimming and Diving

The senior swam to multiple All-America and All-MIAA honors this season and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the third time in his career. Catton claimed All-America Second Team accolades at nationals in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Catton earned All-MIAA distinction for the fourth time and was part of the MIAA-champion 200 freestyle and 200 medley relay.  This season, Catton set two school records - 50 and 200 freestyle - and was part of two relay school records - 200 and 400 medley. Catton owns school records in 10 of the possible 18 events.