The Hope College women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season looking to build on the momentum of a 26-4 campaign, an NCAA Division III Sweet 16 appearance, and a No. 8 national ranking in the WBCA Coaches' Poll to end last season.

Although the Flying Dutch graduated three seniors, they return a strong nucleus—including 82 percent of their scoring output from a year ago. 

Hope opens the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 4 in the D3hoops.com Preseason Top 25 poll and No. 8 in the WBCA Coaches' Poll. Head coach Brian Morehouse. who returns for his 31st season, says the blend of upperclassmen and newcomers on the team has been nice during the build-up to the season opener.

"We have approached the preseason with the idea we're trying to get better every day as opposed to making a gigantic leap in one practice," Morehouse said. "It's nice to see our captains do a great job as well."

ROSTER

Hope's 16-player roster features three returning All-MIAA honorees in juniors Anna Richards, Leah Richards, and Maddie Petroelje.

The Flying Dutch will count four seniors in Chloe Brunsberg (Chaska, Minnesota / Southwest Christian HS), Emma Yakey (Saint Charles, Illinois / Saint Charles East), Grayson Guy (Petoskey, Michigan / Petoskey), and Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison).

The junior class consists of Katie Blazei (Franklin, Wisconsin / Martin Luther) alongside Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / DeWitt), Leah Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / DeWitt), and Maddie Petroelje (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville). 

Four sophomores return for their second season in Bayli Stewart (Cement City, Michigan / Western), Josie DeSmit (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville), Gillian Sorrelle (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven), and Sydney Bode (Ballwin, Missouri / Marquette), while freshmen Sophia Prins (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian), Payton Wallin (Minooka, Illinois / Yorkville Christian), Lizzie Wolthuis (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian), and Olivia Jones (Pendleton, Indiana / Pendelton Heights) round out the roster.

The 6-0 Anna Richards leads the returning production after pacing the team in scoring at 12.3 points per game in 2025-26. 

The 6-2 Leah Richards returns to lead the front court effort after pulling down a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game last season.

At the point, the 5-6 Maynard resumes control of the Hope offense after dishing out a team-leading 71 assists last season.

COACHING STAFF

Head coach: Brian Morehouse, 31st season

Associate head coach: Courtney Kust

Assistant coach: Colly Carlson, Austin Randel

SCHEDULE

Overall, Hope faces a challenging slate that features five opponents ranked in the preseason WBCA Coaches' Poll Top 25 or receiving votes. The Flying Dutch open the season at DeVos Fieldhouse on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7, hosting the Michele Schoon Tournament. 

The weekend showcase brings Wisconsin-Platteville, Illinois Wesleyan, and Ohio Wesleyan to Holland. Both Illinois Wesleyan and Ohio Wesleyan received recognition in the national preseason polls; Hope's two meetings with Illinois Wesleyan last season both went into overtime.

Hope begins Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play on Saturday, Dec. 5, hosting Saint Mary's College (Ind.) for Team Poster Day.

The rivalry series against Calvin University starts on Saturday, Jan. 2 in Grand Rapids, with the return matchup at DeVos Fieldhouse set for Saturday, Jan. 23.

Other key promotional dates at DeVos Fieldhouse include:

• Wednesday, Jan. 13: Purple Community Game vs. Adrian College
• Wednesday, Jan. 27: Fan Appreciation Day vs. Albion College
• Saturday, Feb. 6: 5-Year Reunion Recognition for the 2022 National Championship Team
• Saturday, Feb. 13: Regular Season Home Finale: Senior Day vs. The University of Olivet.