2025 Women's Soccer Preview

Led by a large and talented senior class, the Hope College women's soccer team has eyes on another successful season.

Eleven seniors have propelled the Flying Dutch while they've prepared for the 2025 season, head coach Holly Van Noord said.

"Their energy and competitiveness are the biggest things they bring to the team," Van Noord said. "They're very bought in and passionate, which is evident in training sessions and off the field. It's exciting to have them bring that to the season."

Hope is projected to challenge for an MIAA title this fall, finishing runner-up in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

Last season, the Flying Dutch posted a 12-4-2 overall record, including a second-place 6-1-1 mark in MIAA matches. Hope placed runner-up in the MIAA Tournament.

Coaching Staff

Head coach: Holly Van Noord, 2nd season
Associate head coach: Elliot Slenk
Assistant coach: Megan Bigelow

Roster

In addition to 11 seniors, Hope's roster of 28 features eight juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen.

Senior midfielder Ainsley Harris is among the Flying Dutch's top returners. The Zeeland, Michigan, native (Holland Christian HS) is a two-time All-MIAA honoree who earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region VIII Third Team recognition last season.

Sophomore defender Mia Hesley (Portage, Michigan / Portage Central) also returns after collecting All-Region VIII Third Team honors. She was voted the 2024 MIAA Newcomer of the Year in women's soccer.

Three seniors who earned All-MIAA recognition last season bolster Hope's lineup:

Liz Bellinger, midfielder (Williamston, Michigan / Williamston);
Olivia Dieppa, defender and two-time All-MIAA honoree (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville);
Grace Fowler, midfielder (Cumming, Georgia / Pinecrest Academy).

Schedule

The Flying Dutch kick off the season this weekend with two 4 p.m. home games at Van Andel Soccer Stadium: Friday, Aug. 29, against the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Saturday, Aug. 30, against Wartburg College (Iowa).

Hope plays six more home games, including Poster Giveaway Day on Friday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. against Capital University (Ohio) and Orange and Blue Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. vs. the University of Chicago.

The Flying Dutch start MIAA play Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m. at home against The University of Olivet.

"I think we have a good variety in our schedule, but also some great opponents who are skilled and had a great season last year," Van Noord said. "It will be great to see how we compare to them. We're focused on ourselves and getting better individually but also collectively as a team, rather than who are playing. We want to make sure that standard is not dropping."

Tickets

Season tickets, single-game tickets and fall family passes are on sale through the Hope College Ticket Office, 100 East 8th Street.

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.hope.edu, by phone at (616) 395-7890 or in person at either the ticket office during regular business hours or at the door 1 hour prior to match time.

Fall family passes cost $30 per game and include tickets for as many as two adults and all children living in a household. For a limited time, purchase five fall family passes for $100.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#19 Liz Bellinger: M; 5' 4"; Senior; Physical Education/Health

#11 Olivia Dieppa: D; 5' 8"; Senior; Exercise Science

#4 Grace Fowler: M; 5' 2"; Senior; Exercise Science

#22 Ainsley Harris: M; 5' 5"; Senior; Physical and Health Education and Secondary Education

#15 Mia Hesley: D; 5' 8"; Sophomore; Exercise Science

Players Mentioned

#19 Liz Bellinger
: 5' 4"; Senior; Physical Education/Health
: M

#11 Olivia Dieppa
: 5' 8"; Senior; Exercise Science
: D

#4 Grace Fowler
: 5' 2"; Senior; Exercise Science
: M

#22 Ainsley Harris
: 5' 5"; Senior; Physical and Health Education and Secondary Education
: M

#15 Mia Hesley
: 5' 8"; Sophomore; Exercise Science
: D