With a roster anchored by returning All-MIAA talent and a growing core of underclass contributors, the Hope College softball team enters the 2026 season focused on taking another step forward. 

The Flying Dutch finished 22-17 overall and 9-7 in MIAA play last spring, a year that head coach Michelle Brander Metiva says sharpened the team's resolve and strengthened its identity.

Brander Metiva noted that the lessons of 2025 have shaped a more unified, more intentional group heading into her third season at the helm. 

"This year Hope College Flying Dutch softball is locked in. Our leadership is steady, our team chemistry is real and everyone is all in for each other," Brander said. "We learned a lot last season. We're coming back stronger."

The Flying Dutch were selected third in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, positioning them once again among the league's contenders.

ROSTER

The Flying Dutch field a deep and balanced roster in 2026, highlighted by the return of three All-MIAA honorees, second-team selection Jalen Fossitt and first-team members Terin Maynard and Gianna Kerschbaum. 

Senior leadership comes from Kate DeMann of Byron Center, Michigan (South Christian HS) and Kerschbaum, a Baroda, Michigan native and Stevensville-Lakeshore graduate. 

A strong junior class features Olivia Miller (Hudsonville, Michigan/Unity Christian), Kenadee Schnick(Jenison, Michigan / Jenison), Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan/Jenison), Hailey Mellec (Commerce Township, Michigan/Walled Lake Northern), Sophie Stironek (Lake Orion, Michigan / Lake Orion), and Macy Verbeek (Grandville, Michigan/Calvin Christian). 

The sophomore group includes Sidnee Puffpaff (Macomb, Michigan/Dakota), Mikayla Derks (Saint John, Indiana/Illiana Christian), Fossitt (Onondaga, Michigan/Leslie), Becca Tuttle (Grand Rapids, Michigan/West Catholic), and Abby Wharton (Watervliet, Michigan / Watervliet). 

Seven first-year players join the program as well: Kaylin Reifschneider (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville), Ashley Malinczak (Saline, Michigan / Saline), Emily Brown (Grass Lake, Michigan / Grass Lake), Katie Hofman (Lowell, Michigan / Lowell), Ryan Quain (St. Clair, Michigan/Marysville), Sydney Bode (Ballwin, Missouri/Marquette), and Molly Verseput (South Haven, Michigan / South Haven).

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Michelle Brander Metiva, 3rd season

Assistant Coaches: Dani Szep, Evie Uithoven, Mercede Daugherty, Edie Daugherty

SCHEDULE

Hope's 2026 campaign begins on the road with a season-opening doubleheader at North Park University on Friday, February 27, setting the tone for a demanding non-league stretch. 

The Flying Dutch head south for an eight-game slate in Florida from March 5–9, part of a 23-game non-conference schedule that features seven doubleheaders and a wide range of regional opponents. 

MIAA play opens on Tuesday, April 7, when Hope travels to the University of Olivet, followed by a highly anticipated home opener on Saturday, April 11 at Wolters Stadium against NFCA preseason favorite Trine University. 

The month continues with two special home dates: Senior Day on Saturday, April 18 as Saint Mary's College visits campus, and Poster Day on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. when the Flying Dutch host Adrian College.