Softball Ties for Third Place in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hope College softball team tied for third place in the 2025 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Flying Dutch and Adrian College finished with 45 points apiece in the nine-team poll.

Coaches could not vote for their teams. Defending champion Trine University topped the poll with six first-place votes and 61 points. Calvin University was second with three first-place votes and 58 points.

Led by second-year head coach Michelle Brander Metiva, Hope returns two of its top four hitters from last season: junior outfielder Kate DeMann (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian HS) and sophomore catcher Sophie Stironek (Lake Orion, Michigan / Lake Orion).

DeMann topped the Flying Dutch with a .350 batting average in 42 games, scoring 27 runs and recording 25 RBIs.

Stironek hit .330 with two home runs, 27 RBIs, and 18 runs scored over 40 games.

Senior pitcher Grace Connelly (Grandville, Michigan / Grandville) is back after leading Hope with seven wins in the circle last season. The righthander finished with a 2.80 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched.

The Flying Dutch open the season on Friday-Saturday, March 7-8, with a four-game tournament at Millikin University (Illinois).

Hope's home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, at 3 p.m. against Cornerstone University at Wolters Softball Stadium.

The Flying Dutch's first MIAA doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. at The University of Olivet.

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Players Mentioned

#7 Grace Connelly: P; Senior; Communication

#19 Kate DeMann: OF; Junior; Neuroscience

#24 Sophie Stironek: C; Sophomore; Engineering

Players Mentioned

#7 Grace Connelly
: Senior; Communication
: P

#19 Kate DeMann
: Junior; Neuroscience
: OF

#24 Sophie Stironek
: Sophomore; Engineering
: C

Players Mentioned

#7 Grace Connelly

#19 Kate DeMann

#24 Sophie Stironek

Players Mentioned

#7 Grace Connelly

#19 Kate DeMann

#24 Sophie Stironek