Women's Soccer 2026 Season Preview

Opportunities abound for the Hope College women's soccer team heading into the 2026 season.

The Flying Dutch aim to replace production from their four leading scorers, who either graduated or are sidelined due to injury. Eleven newcomers, including nine freshmen and two junior transfers, are among those working to be dynamic contributors.

"It is like a blank canvas for us coaches and the team," said head coach Holly Van Noord, whose team is coming off a 12-4-3 season. "There are a lot of challenges within that of all getting on the same page and building that chemistry, but also it's really exciting because we're seeing things that they can bring to the team that we haven't seen before. I think it's really exciting to be able to mold what we want in the program."

ROSTER

Hope's roster of 28 features six seniors, nine juniors, three sophomores, and nine freshmen.

The Flying Dutch return standouts senior goalkeeper Clara Feenstra of Hudsonville, Michigan (Hudsonville) and junior defender Mia Hesley of Portage, Michigan (Portage Central).

Feenstra is a two-time All-MIAA honoree after earning first-team recognition and United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team honors last season. Hesley is also a two-time All-MIAA selection who earned second-team honors in 2025 along with All-Region Third Team recognition.

Senior defender Halle Barnard of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford) is Hope's top returning scorer after recording four goals and four assists in 2025.

Barnard and Feenstra are joined by four more seniors: defender Kayla Cannon of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian), midfielder Bri Rose of Hudsonville, Michigan (Unity Christian), midfielder Jenna Schreiber of Jenison, Michigan (Unity Christian), and defender Audra Usiak of Dimondale, Michigan (Lansing Christian).

Hesley, Rose and Usiak will lead the Flying Dutch as captains.

"This captain group brings a lot of leadership and character," Van Noord said. "They each have their unique strengths of encouragement and working hard, but also holding the team accountable. I think they all have social awareness and really live life with a lens that is for the betterment of people around them. They are quick to not make things about themselves, and I think they take a lot of pride in leading and caring a lot about what that looks like off the field."

COACHING STAFF

Head coach: Holly Van Noord, third season
Associate head coach: Elliot Slenk
Assistant coach: Megan Bigelow
Goalkeeping coach: Chris Taborn
Volunteer Assistant coach: Grace Fowler

SCHEDULE

The Flying Dutch begin the season on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. against Cornerstone University at Van Andel Soccer Stadium. The Orange and Blue then travel over Labor Day weekend to play twice in Virginia: Friday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Lynchburg and Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3:30 p.m. at Roanoke College.

Hope hosts eight more home games, including an Orange and Blue weekend contest against Carthage College on Saturday, Sept. 12, at noon; a Poster Day game against Ohio Northern University on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m.; and The Rivalry showdown against Calvin during One Big Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 17, at noon. Senior Day is Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon against Alma College.

The Flying Dutch, who finished runner-up in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, kick off league play on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. at Saint Mary's College.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#1 Clara Feenstra: GK; 5' 6"; Junior; Secondary Education and Integrated Science Education

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

#27 Halle Barnard: D; 5' 7"; Senior; Elementary Education

#26 Kayla Cannon: D; 5' 7"; Senior; Elementary Education

#12 Bri Rose: M; 5' 5"; Senior; Elementary Education

#23 Jenna Schreiber: M; 5' 7"; Senior; Nursing

#24 Audra Usiak: D; 5' 4"; Senior; Elementary Education 3-6 Gr,

Players Mentioned

#1 Clara Feenstra
: 5' 6"; Junior; Secondary Education and Integrated Science Education
: GK

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

#27 Halle Barnard
: 5' 7"; Senior; Elementary Education
: D

#26 Kayla Cannon
: 5' 7"; Senior; Elementary Education
: D

#12 Bri Rose
: 5' 5"; Senior; Elementary Education
: M

#23 Jenna Schreiber
: 5' 7"; Senior; Nursing
: M

#24 Audra Usiak
: 5' 4"; Senior; Elementary Education 3-6 Gr,
: D