Softball Ties for Third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hope College softball team received a first-place vote and tied for third place in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Flying Dutch totaled 47 points in the nine-team poll.

Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams. Trine University, last season's national champion, topped the preseason rankings as the unanimous favorite with eight first-place votes and 64 points. Adrian College finished second with 49 points, followed by Hope and Calvin University with 47, Kalamazoo College with 35, Alma College with 32, Saint Mary's College with 25, Albion College with 17, and The University of Olivet with eight.

Led by third-year head coach Michelle Brander Metiva, the Flying Dutch return three All-MIAA honorees, including first-team selections Gianna Kerschbaum (Baroda, Michigan/Stevensville Lakeshore) at pitcher and Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan/Jenison) in the infield.

Infielder Jalen Fossitt (Onondaga, Michigan/Leslie) earned All-MIAA honors last season as a freshman.

Catcher Sophie Stironek (Lake Orion, Michigan/Lake Orion) and pitcher Halley Mallec (Commerce Township, Michigan/Walled Lake Northern) are also key returning contributors.

Hope is scheduled to open the season Saturday, Feb. 28, against North Park University at a site to be determined.

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Players Mentioned

#15 Jalen Fossitt: INF; Sophomore

#12 Gianna Kerschbaum: P; Senior

#14 Terin Maynard: INF; Junior; Exercise Science

#24 Sophie Stironek: C; Junior

Players Mentioned

#15 Jalen Fossitt
: Sophomore
: INF

#12 Gianna Kerschbaum
: Senior
: P

#14 Terin Maynard
: Junior; Exercise Science
: INF

#24 Sophie Stironek
: Junior
: C