Men’s Soccer Finishes Runner-Up in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hope College men's soccer team begins its quest to three-peat as MIAA regular-season champion by finishing runner-up in the 2026 MIAA Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Flying Dutch totaled 44 points after receiving two first-place votes. Calvin University, the 2025 MIAA Tournament champion, topped the eight-team poll with 48 points and six first-place votes.

Hope won last season's regular-season title outright with a 6-0-1 league record and earned a co-championship in 2024. The remainder of the MIAA preseason ranked Albion College with 35 points, Adrian College (29), Kalamazoo College (26), Alma College and Trine University (tied with 15 points), and The University of Olivet (12).

Led by head coach David Blahnik, the Flying Dutch bring back a deep group of All-MIAA First Team selections, led by junior forward Jackson Mindling, a two-time All-MIAA honoree from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Christian) who scored 13 goals last season and 12 as a freshman.

Senior midfielder Josh Weigel of Naperville, Illinois (Naperville Central), enters his final season as a three-time All-MIAA honoree.

Junior midfielder Benjamin Smitley of Wyoming, Michigan (Grand Rapids Catholic Central), and sophomore defender Jack Lowman of Novi, Michigan (Northville), also were All-MIAA first-team selections last season. Senior defender Evan Morrison of Canton, Michigan (Canton), claimed All-MIAA Second Team honors in 2025.

Hope kicks off the season on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. with a non-league home game against Adrian College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Jackson Mindling: F; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#8 Evan Morrison: D; 6' 1"; Junior; Business

#16 Benjamin Smitley: M; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#13 Josh Weigel: M; 5' 10"; Junior; Business

#5 Jack Lowman: D; 6' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#9 Jackson Mindling
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: F

#8 Evan Morrison
: 6' 1"; Junior; Business
: D

#16 Benjamin Smitley
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: M

#13 Josh Weigel
: 5' 10"; Junior; Business
: M

#5 Jack Lowman
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: D