Editor’s note: From Monday-Sunday, April 1-7, Hope College Athletics is celebrating NCAA Division III Week with member schools across the country as we observe and celebrate the impact Division III athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community. There are special events planned at Hope Athletics home events throughout the week. Check out Hope Athletics social media accounts for more stories. As part of Division III Week, Hope softball pitcher and communication major Grace Connelly ‘25 is profiling four peers throughout Division III Week for the Hope Athletics blog.
Aidan Kyle likes to challenge himself and seek out new experiences. The Hope College junior student-athlete and communication major found meaningful opportunities to do both at a familiar place for his family.
A fourth-generation student at Hope, Kyle arrived on campus three years ago from Weston, Connecticut, as a baseball player but discovered quickly a new passion: track and field.
In the spring semester of his freshman year, Kyle switched sports and joined the Flying Dutchmen track and field team. He devoted himself to an athletic endeavor he’d never before attempted: throwing the javelin.
Despite his inexperience, Kyle went on to win MIAA outdoor championships in back-to-back years.
“To come in and win as a freshman is astonishing, as he had never thrown javelin before and most people [who compete] have,” head coach Kevin Cole said.
Kyle’s success reflects natural talent for the event, but it is also the result of hard work. His commitment to elevating his own performance also contributes to team culture.
“He is an elite status athlete, which means constantly finding new ways as a coaching staff to challenge him as he desires to improve his craft,” Cole said.
Kyle is no less driven during his time away from the javelin runway and landing sector.
After his freshman year, he desired a new challenge and a mental reset, so he participated in programs offered through the college’s Fried Center for Global Engagement. He studied abroad in London during the fall semester of his sophomore year.
Change can be challenging and requires the ability to come out of one’s comfort zone.
Kyle believes his time abroad proved to be the best experience for him because he immersed himself in new communities, adapted to a new culture, and learned a lot about who he is.
He plans to use the lessons and experiences he learned through sport as he plans to pursue a future career in media production.
“Being able to live alone in a different country was a really big growth opportunity for me. It helped me become more independent, and built confidence within myself,” he said.